Immediate Capability Supports Deterrence
Poland has received its initial shipment of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launchers, according to a 15 May statement by manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
The launchers provide an immediate capability to deliver long range precision fires at distances up to 300km, and are interoperable with other systems already procured by Warsaw. Additional shipments are scheduled to take place later this year. “The combat-proven HIMARS will provide credible deterrence against aggression and significantly increase [the] capability of the Polish armed forces and their NATO allies,” commented Jay Price, VP of Precision Fires for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fires Control.
The Polish MoD is expected to invite Lockheed Martin to negotiate a framework agreement for the Homar-A programme, under which the company will work with Polish industry to integrate key components of the HIMARS rocket launcher on a Jelcz 6×6 truck. The negotiations will also address Polish production of munitions. “The development of [an] industrial partnership under [the] Homar-A initiative marks another major step in our engagement to strengthening Poland’s economic growth and security through partnerships with [the] local industry base. [We are] looking forward to jointly create[ing] a safer tomorrow for Poland and the entire region,” explained Robert Orzyłowski, Lockheed Martin Director for Poland, Central and East Europe.
A trusted partner Poland’s national defence industry and economy, Lockheed Martin has invested US$1.8 billion in Poland over the last decade. Today, its in-country operations sustain 6,700 high-value Polish jobs, of which 1,500 are with aircraft manufacturer and Lockheed subsidiary PZL Mielec, one of Poland’s leading defence exporters.
