The Pentagon recently announced a significant $1.1 billion contract with Lockheed Martin, a leading U.S. defense company, to produce M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) for various allied nations, including Canada. The contract, disclosed by the U.S. Department of War on its procurement website, caters to the urgent needs of the Army, Marine Corps, and Foreign Military Sales clients in Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan.
Under the new agreement, a total of 17 HIMARS units will be manufactured and completed by April 2028. While the exact number allocated to the Canadian Armed Forces remains unspecified, Canada had initially expressed interest in acquiring 26 systems. Unlike previous military equipment procurements revealed in March, the Liberal government has not issued a formal statement regarding the acquisition of the U.S.-made HIMARS, despite indications of the deal being finalized in January.
According to defense analyst Dave Perry, the government likely sought to avoid the political implications of revisiting the United States for military acquisitions, aligning with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pledge to reduce such engagements. Perry stated that the recent notification signifies the formalization of the agreement, with financial transactions expected imminently.
The Department of National Defence (DND) was approached for clarification on the signing date of the acceptance letter and the initial payment made, but declined to provide details. Sources revealed that a public announcement was prepared last winter but was retracted to align with the impending release of the government’s defense industrial strategy, emphasizing domestic procurement.
In a move last October, the U.S. State Department authorized Canada to potentially purchase HIMARS, crucial for troop defense in Latvia and military modernization. Despite receiving a purchase offer, DND confirmed in October that no decision had been made on the estimated $2.4 billion acquisition. Canadian Army Commander Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright emphasized the necessity of HIMARS for precision strikes, citing its battlefield efficacy in Ukraine.
Apart from the launcher systems, Canada intends to procure rocket launch pods for operational and training purposes. The ongoing HIMARS deal reflects Canada’s commitment to diversifying military equipment sources, a pledge made by the Liberals during the recent election campaign.
The acquisition of HIMARS is part of a broader agenda of U.S. military acquisitions, including the F-35 stealth fighter program. The government’s review of the fighter jet procurement plan, amid complex relations with the Trump administration, has raised uncertainties. Perry highlighted a discrepancy between the government’s spending shift objectives and existing procurement decisions.
While the delivery timeline for HIMARS remains undisclosed, uncertainties persist following the suspension of munitions delivery to Estonia due to the conflict with Iran. Despite these challenges, Gen. Jennie Carignan assured that Canada is not currently facing delays in equipment delivery from the U.S.
