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Australian Army boosts long-range strike capabilities as first US-made M142 HIMARS rocket launchers enter service

On 24 March 2025, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) received the first two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the United States. The delivery was completed via a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III to Avalon Airport and coincided with the start of the Australian International Airshow 2025. The two launchers represent the initial delivery under a broader acquisition plan for 42 HIMARS units, part of an AU$1.6 billion (approx. US$1 billion) investment announced by the Albanese Government in response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR). The HIMARS units will be assigned to the newly created 10th Fires Brigade, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide. Read full defense news at this link...

The first M142 HIMARS systems were initially expected to begin arriving in 2026, but the timeline has been accelerated, with all 42 launchers now scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027. (Picture source: Australian MoD)

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