Canada completes $2.6B purchase of HIMARS rocket systems from U.S.

A U.S. M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fires a missile during a joint military drill between the Philippines and the U.S. on Friday, March 31, 2023. (AP Photo/The Olympian, Tony Overman, File)

The Department of National Defence is moving ahead with the purchase more than two dozen M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the United States as part of a $2.6-billion deal to equip the Canadian Army.

The federal government said Tuesday the agreement to buy 26 of the long-range missile systems from U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin was completed in January through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program and includes an initial stockpile of munitions, spare parts, training and support services.

The missile systems are not expected to ship to Canada until 2029, however a National Defence spokesperson told CTV News in November that Canadian troops would likely begin training on the platform before the units arrive.

The HIMARS acquisition fulfills a major commitment of the 2024 defence policy update, which promised a long-range strike capability for the Canadian Army.

• Read more: Canada not expected to get U.S. artillery rocket system until late 2029

The purchase also supports the federal government’s commitment to meeting its North Atlantic Treaty Organization spending targets, National Defence highlighted in a news release Tuesday.

“There is currently no Canadian manufacturer for the HIMARS launcher system or associated long-range missile capability,” the release said, adding the system is only available through the U.S. government, rather than on the commercial market.

The army currently relies primarily on traditional howitzer artillery guns with a maximum reach of up to 40 kilometres. By contrast, the HIMARS can be equipped with precision-guided munitions capable of striking targets more than 300 kilometres away, significantly enhancing the force’s long-range strike capabilities.

National Defence says the systems are also designed to integrate future land-based anti-ship missile capabilities to defend Canadian coastlines, including in the Arctic.

• Read more: Canadian military to send warships, aircraft and 800 personnel to U.S. RIMPAC exercise

Defence Minister David McGuinty described the project as essential to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces remain prepared for future threats.

“The long-range missile capability is a critical step in supporting our military so it remains ready and equipped to protect Canadians and support our allies and partners when needed,” McGuinty said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

Ottawa says Lockheed Martin will “undertake meaningful business activities and invest in Canadian industry” as part of the HIMARS agreement and will make efforts to integrate Canadian companies into global supply chains.

“Our government will always use our purchasing power to advance Canada’s economic interests and support the workers and companies that keep our country strong,” said Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, saying Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy will be applied to the procurement deal.

Under the policy, the U.S. manufacturer will be required to foster investments in the Canadian economy equal to the value of the sale.

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