Lockheed Martin has marked a significant milestone with the delivery of its 750th High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher, reflecting the growing demand for the platform among the US Army and allied military forces worldwide. The HIMARS system, known for its transportability and long-range precision capabilities, has been a key player in military operations since it first entered service in 2005.
The production capacity at Lockheed Martin’s Camden, Arkansas facility has notably increased, with an expansion that has doubled output from 48 to 96 launchers annually. This ramp-up is bolstered by $2.9 billion worth of contracts from the US Army, which have funded the acquisition of new tooling, the addition of workstations, and enhancements to the overall supply chain.
Lockheed Martin’s manufacturing operations rely heavily on a nationwide network of suppliers, including numerous small businesses that contribute precision components to ensure that production can meet the rising demand for HIMARS systems.
Carolyn Orzechowski, the vice president of Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles, highlighted the HIMARS system’s blend of reliability, accuracy, and survivability. She noted that the platform’s adaptability allows it to incorporate future munitions, making it a versatile asset in modern military engagements.
As a vital component of the US Army’s long-range precision fires strategy, HIMARS has supported combat operations for over two decades. The system has evolved to accommodate next-generation munitions, including the Precision Strike Missile and the Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
HIMARS has also transcended its original bounds of US service, finding a place in the arsenals of 14 partner nations. Its modular design facilitates the integration of new weaponry without necessitating a complete hardware overhaul, thereby providing both US and allied forces with a strategic advantage in varied operational environments.
Recent deployments include Estonia, which received six HIMARS in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen NATO’s eastern defenses. Italy has likewise secured a contract for 21 launchers to enhance its long-range precision strike capabilities.
In the Indo-Pacific region, Australia has taken significant steps by integrating HIMARS into joint operations during Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2025, marking its first live-fire exercises with the system. Taiwan, too, has advanced its military preparedness by acquiring HIMARS, conducting initial test firings in May 2025, and establishing a dedicated military unit focused on operating the system.
The expansion of HIMARS production and its deployment among allied forces underscore its importance in contemporary military strategy, signaling a continued commitment to enhancing long-range artillery capabilities on a global scale.
