US State Department approves possible HIMARS sale to Latvia

The US State Department has approved the possible FMS of six HIMARSs to Latvia. (ECDI)

The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and related equipment worth USD220 million to Latvia, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in a press release on 24 October.

The agency said Latvia has requested six M142 HIMARSs; 12 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS); 12 M31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) high-explosive pods with IMPS; and 10 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) pods. Also included in the potential FMS are Reduced Range Practice Rocket (RRPR) pods; intercom systems; ruggedised laptops; crew training; training equipment; publications for HIMARS, munitions, and spare parts; services; other support equipment; and other related elements of programme and logistic support.

The proposed sale will improve Latvia's security and capability to meet current and future threats and will enhance its interoperability with the US and other allied forces without altering the basic military balance in the region, according to the DSCA. The agency added that the proposed sale would not adversely affect US defence readiness.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin.