The Canadian military is moving forward with plans to procure the advanced M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from the United States, a strategic decision that appears to be influenced by the increasing tension over trade tariffs between Canada and its neighbor to the south. According to reports from Ottawa Citizen, military leadership in Canada is proposing a sole-source acquisition deal which would allow for the direct purchase of HIMARS systems from the US government through a foreign military sale.
The estimated cost of this procurement is around $5 billion, as detailed in a 2024 briefing concerning the Long Range Precision Fires project for the Canadian Forces. This significant investment would include not only the HIMARS launchers themselves but also crucial components such as fire control software, munitions, and spare parts.
Kened Sadiku, a spokesperson from the Department of National Defence, emphasized the project’s importance in enhancing Canada’s defense capabilities, both within national borders and in international engagements. He stated, “The Long-Range Precision Strike (Land) project will significantly enhance Canada’s defence capabilities, both domestically and abroad.” Sadiku also indicated that the project is making steady progress, with expectations of sharing further details in the upcoming months.
The Canadian government is closely monitoring the ongoing trade dynamics with the US, particularly given the recent imposition of a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian goods by the Trump administration. While the HIMARS acquisition is centered on bolstering national security, the potential impact of the trade situation has not gone unnoticed and is under continuous review.
This procurement comes at a time when Canada is also assessing its plans to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets from the US, a move further complicated by the current climate of strained political relations. The implications of these defense purchases are significant, not only for Canada’s military capability but also for the broader context of Canada-US relations amid rising economic and political tensions.
