Government delivers first Australian HIMARS
24 March 2025
From today, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is equipped with a world‑leading long‑range precision strike capability – a direct result of the Albanese Government’s additional investments in Defence.
In response to the Defence Strategic Review (DSR), the Albanese Government announced $1.6 billion to accelerate and expand the acquisition of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher vehicles.
Less than two years later, the first two HIMARS have now been delivered to Australia from the United States.
The acquisition of HIMARS is a game changer for the ADF, providing world-leading strike capability that will contribute to the security of Australia and our region, and keep our nation safe.
Employing the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), HIMARS will deliver increased lethality and accurate firepower at ranges of more than 500 kilometres.
These HIMARS are the first of 42 to be delivered to Australia.
Also announced by the Albanese Government in response to the DSR, is the recently established 10th Fires Brigade in Adelaide, where the HIMARS will be based.
The accelerated delivery of HIMARS will also support Australian defence industry and the creation of new jobs sooner, with the Albanese Government also investing in a facility to locally manufacture HIMARS-compatible and other guided missiles.
There is no greater responsibility than defending Australia. That is why the Albanese Government is increasing Defence funding to historic levels over the next decade, including record spending on the acquisition of new capabilities for the ADF.
Source: Defence Press Release