HIMARS Missile System Test-firing In Australia’s NT

    (Major Dan Mazurek’s post from the AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE on 03 August 2023.)

Army missile system on target in first firing: The Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) has been fired in Australia for the first time, demonstrating the type of capability Australia will need to defend its northern borders.

The ATACMS, fired as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre, is a US-made long-range tactical precision surface-to-surface missile, combining advanced technology and intelligence-driven targeting.

1st Brigade Commander Nick Foxall said capabilities such as this would have a big impact on the ability to deny access to enemies as the Army's focus in the north shifts to littoral operations. “Army is entering a new period, and exercises like Talisman Sabre, where we work with our partners and new capabilities, only enhance the defence of Australia,” Commander Foxall said.

The Defence Strategic Review and the Government’s National Defence Statement response identified the importance of defending Australia and its immediate region, and to deter through denial any adversary’s attempts to project power through its northern approaches.

Far-reaching capabilities such as the ATACMS, able to hit a land-based target with speed and precision over long distances, will be needed to meet the challenge of denying access to such a vast region. The Talisman Sabre shoot was dynamic and brought several pieces together to deliver the ATACMS missile on target in the Bradshaw Field Training Area in the Northern Territory.

First, two M142 high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) were loaded into two US Air Force MC-130J Talon aircraft, which took off from Williamson Airfield in Queensland's Shoalwater Bay Training Area, headed west towards a red-dirt airfield in Delamere, NT.

Within moments of touchdown, the HIMARS proceeded past the runway to its designated firing point and fired the missile before reboarding the Talon for immediate departure. Major John Ronayne, the Officer in Command Long Range Strike on the ground at the Delamere firing point, said it was both a rehearsal for employing the system and a demonstration of capability.

“This event represents how the alliance can employ and coordinate these types of systems across vast distances as part of a multi-domain strike capability,” he said.

Hundreds of kilometres away, on a ridge overlooking the target point, joint fires observers and terminal attack controllers from 101st Battery, 8th/12th Battalion,  Royal Australian Regiment, alongside partners from the US Marine Rotation Force - Darwin, observed the surface-to-surface missile thundering into the Australian outback and destroying the designated target.

Government direction in response to Defence Strategic Review recommendations supported accelerated acquisition and expansion of  HIMARS and associated missiles to contribute to enhanced combat power through long-range fires.

Australia to manufacture HIMARS missiles locally?

Australia is set to buy 20 HIMARS (high mobility artillery rocket systems) plus an initial 130 rockets, with the prospect that manufacture of the missiles may eventually start in Australia. HIMARS is one of the signature weapon systems of the Ukraine conflict, delivering devastating precision strikes on Russian forces.

In Australian service, HIMARS – one system is on display at the Avalon Airshow – will form a component of a hybrid artillery force, alongside traditional gun systems. With a capability to be transported aboard a RAAF C-130, HIMARS will give the ADF an expeditionary capability to conduct distant “shoot and scoot” fire missions.

But in any conflict, ADF missile stocks would likely be speedily exhausted, prompting creation of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise to develop local production of precision munitions. However, the US has been traditionally reluctant to permit foreign manufacture of its most sensitive technology. That may be changing.

Damien McMahon, Lockheed Martin business development manager for the missiles and fire control division said the company was working through GWEO to understand the capabilities of local firms to develop rocket technology including motors, control systems and warheads.

“We build the systems and the missiles for this. The Commonwealth has asked us to help provide them some advice so they can improve their understanding of whether this is something GWEO would like to do,” he said.

As to the US agreeing to allow release of this technology, Paula Hartley, Lockheed Martin, vice-president for enterprise performance for the company’s missiles and fire control division, said that was a conversation that was occurring between the US and Australia “as we speak”. In an industry briefing on GWEO last week, another Lockheed official went slightly further, declaring the US government was turning a corner.

“It has become far more open to opening up those supply chains and to allowing a build, particularly of some of more sophisticated system, build them overseas completely,” said Tim Cahill executive vice-president of Lockheed’s missiles and fire control division.

The HIMARS launcher system comprises a five-tonne wheeled vehicle, with rear-mounted launcher and crew of three. Basic weapon loadout comprises six GMLRS missiles with range of 70 kilometres, a single ATACMS with range of 300 kilometres or two PrSM with range of 400 kilometres. HIMARS firing GMLRS, able to strike within 1-6 metres of a target, have proved very effective in Ukraine.

Asked what feedback Lockheed received on the performance of their missiles in Ukraine, Ms Hartley said they only heard what everyone else heard through the media. “Highly effective and very precise,” she said. Australia’s first HIMARS will arrive in 2025.  The ADF is still considering their place, one possibility being as part of a precision fires brigade based in Edinburgh, South Australia.