HIMARS rocket artillery system to be upgraded to double its munition firing capacity

The US defence company Lockheed Martin has unveiled a concept for upgrading the HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system. The new FLEX variant will be capable of firing twice as many rounds.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Details: The HIMARS FLEX launcher is an upgraded version of the HIMARS system, which, according to the manufacturer, has logged more than 2.5 million hours of operation worldwide.

The new version of the MLRS will be capable of firing GMLRS, ER GMLRS, PrSM, ATACMS and PAC-3 munitions. The system will be mounted on an XM1140 chassis.

The key feature of the upgrade will be the FLEX dual-container configuration, which will enable it to fire twice as many munitions as the standard HIMARS.

"Dual-pod configurations can carry double the offensive firepower as well as seamlessly configure for air and missile defence munitions such as PAC-3, IFPC and beyond," said Lockheed Martin.

The upgraded MLRS will also utilise the new FLEXFires technology. According to the company, this ecosystem "will let operators scale loadout and add autonomous capabilities without sacrificing speed or accuracy", said Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control.

For reference: The Ukrainian military received HIMARS systems in 2022. In June that year, a video showing the first combat use of M142 HIMARS systems in Ukraine was released. This US-made rocket system is a key asset for engaging targets at ranges of 30-120 km. It is used to strike logistics routes, depots, command posts, air defence systems, electronic warfare assets and other targets.

Read also: "Hitting the rear and easing the load on HIMARS: Ukraine's new mid-range drones"

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