Australian army gets battle-tested US long-range missiles

By AFP
March 25, 2025
US Army 17th Field Artillery Brigade High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) during the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 firepower demonstration at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland. —Australian Department of Defence/File
US Army 17th Field Artillery Brigade High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) during the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 firepower demonstration at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland. —Australian Department of Defence/File

AVALON, Australia: Australia´s army has received its first delivery of a “game changer” mobile long-range US rocket system, the government said on Monday.

The country´s acquisition of the HIMARS system -- used with devastating effect by Ukraine against Russian forces -- was accelerated after a 2023 defence strategic review. That review called for a shift toward long-range deterrence, with China´s rapid military build-up feeding concerns about the vulnerability of Australia´s links to its trade partners and global supply chains.

In response to the findings, the government announced at the time it would spend Aus$1.6 billion (US$1 billion) to expand and speed up delivery of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

The first two of a planned 42 HIMARS launcher vehicles had already arrived from the United States, the government said in a statement, describing the system as a “game changer” that would bolster security in Australia and the region.

“We are making record investments to ensure the Australian Defence Force has the capability it needs, when it needs it to keep Australians safe,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles. Using the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and the Precision Strike Missile, HIMARS can strike targets more than 500-kms away.