US-made HIMARS rockets are giving Ukraine an edge against Russia. Will Taiwan be next to benefit?
- Hi-tech, high-precision artillery system is seen as shifting the balance in the war in Ukraine
- As Taiwan seeks more of the high mobility rockets, their likely role in a potential cross-strait conflict is under scrutiny
What is HIMARS?
The HIMARS, or M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, is a light truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher made by US weapons giant Lockheed Martin.
It is a modern, lighter version of the M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) developed for US, UK, German and French forces in the 1970s.
The HIMARS platform, which entered into service in 2010, carries a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System pod with six 227mm (8.9 inch) guided missiles, two precision strike missiles or one MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), and is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of weapons.
Ukraine has received only the rocket rounds, which have a range of 70km (44 miles). However, if configured with the ATACMS projectile, the range increases to 300km (186 miles). With precision strike missiles, its reach extends up to 500km.
Based on a light truck frame that weighs only 5 tonnes, the HIMARS boasts great mobility and can quickly reach its assigned position, fire its rocket, and then move away. This makes it very effective at carrying out time-sensitive strikes and surviving counter-firepower.
The rocket warhead is guided by a GPS system, in addition to an inertial navigation system, which largely ensures strike precision. Its range and accuracy allow the system to attack in-depth and high-value targets, such as command stations, communication nodes and logistics hubs.