High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)

The Russian government recently released footage of two Ukrainian High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) being targeted following the announcement of a major new tranche of US military aid to Ukraine.

What is HIMARS?

1. HIMARS is a light, multiple rocket launcher manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, a U.S.-based security and aerospace company.
2. It is designed to engage and defeat artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor, and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations.

Features of HIMARS:

1. Mobility: HIMARS is mounted on a 5-ton Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), making it air-transportable and highly mobile.
2. Firepower: HIMARS can carry either a launcher pod of six rockets or one MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of 300 km (186 miles).
3. Rapid Deployment: HIMARS can be prepared for firing in less than 20 seconds, and a full launcher load of six rockets can be fired within 45 seconds.
4. Survivability: The system launches its weapons and moves away from the area at high speed before enemy forces can locate the launch site.
5. Crew Protection: HIMARS is equipped with the Increased Crew Protection cabin, designed to protect the 3-man operating crew against plume gases, rocket launch debris, and small arms.

What is ATACMS?

1. ATACMS is a conventional surface-to-surface artillery weapon system capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and other missiles.
2. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
3. Known operators of ATACMS include the United States, Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.

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