The U.S. Department of State has approved Canada’s possible acquisition of 26 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and associated gear for an estimated $2.4 billion, as confirmed by the Pentagon on Wednesday. This endorsement from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency marks a crucial step for the Canadian Army to procure the Lockheed Martin-manufactured system. The HIMARS gained significant public attention previously when Ukraine sought similar rocket-propelled artillery for defense against the Russian invasion.
Despite this approval, the deal is pending congressional endorsement and requires the Canadian government to finalize an agreement with Washington, who will then negotiate a contract with the manufacturer. It is anticipated that this negotiation process will not commence until the following year. U.S. legislators have a 15-day window to raise objections to the sale upon notification by the defense agency. Failure to do so will result in the sale being considered approved.
Apart from the vehicles, Canada is also interested in acquiring rocket launch pods for operational purposes and training, according to the Pentagon. The defense agency emphasized that this proposed sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives, aiming to enhance Canada’s military capabilities as a crucial NATO ally. The statement from the defense agency highlighted that this capability enhancement will bolster Canada’s role in collective defense efforts in the hemisphere and Europe as directed by NATO’s defense strategies.
The deal encompasses the provision of technical, engineering, and logistics services by U.S. government contractor personnel, potentially posing a political challenge for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government. The Liberals had promised during the last election campaign to diversify Canada’s sources for military equipment procurement.
The HIMARS acquisition adds to the growing list of U.S. military equipment either in the process of being delivered or already on order by Canada. Notably, the F-35 stealth fighter, also produced by Lockheed Martin, stands out as one of the prominent examples of such acquisitions.
