The systems were transported by a Royal Australian Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter. They were publicly presented on 24 March at the Avalon 2025 Airshow near Melbourne.
Australia has ordered 42 HIMARS launchers in total, to be delivered in two batches. The acquisition is intended to support the development of long-range precision strike capabilities within the Australian Defence Force.
As part of the agreement, plans have been made to establish domestic production capacity for GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) munitions in Australia. Furthermore, Australia is expected to be the first international customer for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a new long-range missile compatible with the HIMARS platform.
The procurement forms part of broader efforts to enhance Australia’s defence posture and cooperation with the United States. These efforts include developing mobile, rapidly deployable forces capable of operating across dispersed locations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The concept involves deploying such forces using transport aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules, allowing for quick movement between positions. After launching their payloads, the units would relocate to minimise exposure to counter-fire, enhancing survivability in contested environments.
Source: Australian Government (Department of Defence).
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