I have approved a framework agreement for the delivery of 486 HIMARS rocket launchers for the Polish Armed Forces. We are planning launch the deliveries in late 2025, as integration with Polish systems is needed first - Poland's Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak annouced on Monday (Sept. 11).
"I have approved a framework agreement for the delivery of 486 HIMARS rocket launchers under the HOMAR-A program for the Polish Armed Forces. Together with the 18 launchers ordered in 2019 - one squadron - the Polish Army will have 500 HIMARS launchers in 28 squadrons" minister Błaszczak said at a press conference in Toruń on Monday.
"We are planning launch the deliveries in late 2025. 2026 has been as a "safe" date. The challenge is to adapt and integrate the launchers with Polish systems, but after talks with the Polish arms industry, I can assure you that we will complete this integration within two years," the MOD chief added.
He also accused the opposition of claiming that "500 launchers is too much". "No, it's not too much, this exactly the amount of HIMARS launchers the Polish Armed Forces need to effectively deter the aggressor," Błaszczak stressed.
Poland's Armaments Agency said on Monday that the HOMAR-A program assumes a technology transfer meant to ensure maximum polonization of the system.
Under HOMAR-A, Lockheed Martin and Polish defence industry will integrate key components of the HIMARS rocket launcher on a Jelcz 6x6 truck.
M142 HIMARS
M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Unlike the MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) system, mounted on continuous track, HIMARS is a wheeled vehicle, which allows it to move quicker on a battlefield. Furthermore, HIMARSes can be transported on board of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, used by the Polish military.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Twitter/mblaszczak