Lockheed Martin Wants Poland in HIMARS Production Game
Lockheed Martin Extends Invitation for Polish Companies to Collaborate on Rocket Launcher Manufacturing
Lockheed Martin, a major player in the defense industry, has extended an invite to Poland's defense sector to join hands in assembling Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) - a vital part of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This move is aligned with Poland's potential buy of up to 486 launchers and associated gear, a deal worth an estimated $10 billion, as approved by the U.S. State Department.
The plan kicks off with setting up GMLRS production at Mesko, a division of the Polish defense conglomerate PGZ, using kits from the U.S. by 2026. Lockheed Martin is in talks with Polish officials to iron out details under the Homar-A program, which aims to cater to the Polish Armed Forces' needs, phase by phase, with different types of GMLRS.
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In September 2023, Poland's Defense Minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, inked a framework agreement for procuring HIMARS units, though the final contract remains unsigned due to the new centrist government. This comes after Poland's 2019 purchase of 20 HIMARS launchers, costing around $414 million.
The GMLRS is available in both unitary and alternative warhead versions. It's prized for its 200-pound warhead and range surpassing 70 kilometers. The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Polish manufacturers underscores the strengthening military ties and strategic cooperation between Poland and the U.S.
This partnership is a golden opportunity for Poland's defense sector to boost its capabilities and contribute substantially to the production of high-end weaponry, crucial for enhancing the nation's defense posture amidst regional conflicts.
The HIMARS system, developed by Lockheed Martin, has seen substantial usage by Ukraine against Russian forces, underscoring its strategic value in contemporary warfare. Poland's defense modernization efforts are part of a broader strategy to bolster national security and align more closely with NATO defense strategies.
Key Insights:
- Lockheed Martin seeks to ramp up HIMARS production to 96 launchers per year, with Poland aiming to acquire more than 100 units.
- Poland's subsidiary systems, such as the Topaz battle management system, will be incorporated into the HIMARS launchers.
- HIMARS launchers will be mounted on Jelcz 663.45 6x6 truck chassis, manufactured domestically, to boost mobility and flexibility.
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- The government of Poland and Lockheed Martin are discussing the acquisition and integration of technology for the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) to bolster Poland's defense sector.
- The planned GMLRS production at Mesko, a division of PGZ, is set to commence using kits from the US by 2026, under the Homar-A program.
- In talks with Polish officials, Lockheed Martin aims to increase HIMARS production to 96 launchers per year, with Poland aiming to acquire more than 100 units.
- For the GMLRS launchers, Poland's subsidiary systems, such as the Topaz battle management system, will be incorporated to enhance their capabilities.
- To bolster mobility and flexibility, the HIMARS launchers will be mounted on Jelcz 663.45 6x6 truck chassis, a domestic Polish truck manufacturer.
- The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Polish manufacturers is a significant step towards strengthening military ties and strategic cooperation between Poland and the US, and it highlights Poland's defense modernization efforts to align more closely with NATO defense strategies.
