DSEI 2023: Poland procures hundreds of HIMARSs

The first full-scale prototype of the Homar-A MLRS launcher was unveiled at MSPO 2023. (Lockheed Martin)

Janes learnt more details about the framework agreement the Polish Armaments Agency (AA) and Lockheed Martin announced on 11 September, which they had signed for the procurement of M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) missile launcher components for Poland's Homar-A Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) at DSEI 2023 held in London from 12 to 15 September.

Under the agreement, signed after it was approved by Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak, 486 Homar-A vehicles will be assembled in Poland, with deliveries starting no later than 2026. In addition, tens of thousands of rockets will be produced.

A Lockheed Martin representative told Janes at DSEI on 13 September that the framework agreement is divided into two executive contracts, the first to be signed during the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second in mid-2024, with activity lasting 12 years. Launch loader modules produced in the United States will be integrated into Jelcz 6×6 trucks in Poland under the first executive contract and the modules will be produced along with the rest of the Homar-As in Poland under the second contract.

Lockheed Martin will work with Polish companies including Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia SA (WZU), and Mesko, whose role is still to be determined. The AA expects technology transfer and maximum possible Polonisation of the Homar-A not only by integrating the launch loader module into Jelcz trucks but also Poland's Topaz combat management system and the production of rockets that the Lockheed Martin representative identified as Guided MLRS (GMLRS) with a range of 84 km.