NATO Bolsters Defense: Australia, Estonia, Canada Acquire M142 HIMARS Systems
NATO is enhancing its long-term planning with substantial arms deals. Australia, Estonia, and Canada are bolstering their military systems with the acquisition of M142 HIMARS systems, indicating a surge in demand for these advanced weapons.
Australia has approved the purchase of an additional 48 units of M142 HIMARS, valued at around $705 million. Meanwhile, Estonia is doubling its HIMARS fleet and expanding its missile arsenal with a new contract worth several billion dollars. This includes 182 ATACMS with a range of over 300 km and 856 GMLRS of various modifications.
The U.S. Department of State has given the green light for Canada to acquire 26 M142 HIMARS units, worth $1.75 billion. Lockheed Martin has seen a surge in potential orders, with 80 MLRS HIMARS systems approved for export abroad in the past week. The increased demand can be partly attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric, with his tweets correlating to new contracts. Major R. L. Martin and Major M. A. Ramos are among the key figures involved in these deals.
These large-scale contracts signal NATO's long-term strategic planning and a collective effort to enhance military systems. The acquisition of M142 HIMARS systems by Australia, Estonia, and Canada is expected to strengthen their respective defence forces and reinforce NATO's overall deterrence and response capabilities.
