U.S. Army demonstrates HIMARS firepower in joint live-fire exercise with Philippines on Palawan

HIMARS is a mobile multiple launch rocket system known for delivering precision, long-range fire while swiftly manoeuvring across complex environments. The system’s agility and rapid deployment make it a highly elusive and effective asset in modern combat operations.

In a coordinated operation, HIMARS launchers executed a 24-hour multi-domain movement covering hundreds of miles. This demonstrated both logistical capability and combat readiness, culminating in a live-fire event that confirmed the system’s lethal precision.

U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, Australian Marines, and the Philippine Armed Forces took part in the exercise, highlighting strong multinational coordination. The HIMARS were first loaded onto a C-130J Hercules aircraft in Subic, flown to a Landing Craft Utility (LCU), then transported by sea to Palawan.

After arriving in Bataraza, southern Palawan, the launchers were driven over 50 miles through jungle and urban terrain to a shoreline firing point near Rizal. At the final location, six training rounds were fired at a simulated maritime target.

“This was the U.S. Army’s opportunity to demonstrate the capability of landpower by placing land-based fires into relevant positions to support territorial defense in support of a mutual defense ally,” said Lt. Col. Ben Blane, commander of the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment.

The 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, a theatre-level joint force enabler in the Indo-Pacific, integrates long-range precision fires and effects to challenge adversary defences. Its performance has influenced the U.S. Army’s decision to establish five full MDTFs at key global locations.