American defense company Lockheed Martin has received a $1.13 billion contract for the production of M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket system launchers. The contract covers Production Lot 17, which is set to meet the needs of both the United States and its partners, though Lithuania finds itself on the outside looking in.
Foreign deliveries under this batch will go to Sweden, Estonia, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan. Domestically, the systems will fulfill orders for both the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps.
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The Lot 17 contract is expected to be completed by April 28, 2028. The launchers themselves will likely begin arriving earlier, however, as Estonia is scheduled to receive its three units as early as 2027.
This is effectively a large-scale order consolidating the requirements of all recent buyers alongside those of the U.S. military. Countries purchasing the M142 after this point will most likely have to wait for Lot 18.
Lithuania finds itself in an unfortunate position here, having signed a contract for a second HIMARS battery shortly after Lot 17 was finalized with Lockheed Martin. Hopes have been expressed for a possible modification to include Lithuania, though whether that will happen remains uncertain.
It is worth noting that the $1.13 billion figure covers the production of the launchers and associated equipment only. Munitions, such as GMLRS rockets, will be procured under separate agreements.
The HIMARS remains one of the most popular MLRS choices among NATO members and U.S partners such as Taiwan, which acquired the systems alongside M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and other weaponry in a package totaling $6.6 billion.
The U.S. military is also actively exploring new capabilities for the M142, including the integration of manually loaded 120 mm rockets. Meanwhile, South Korean competitor K239 Chunmoo is gaining ground, having won a contract to supply Norway.
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