Sweden to Acquire US-Made HIMARS Rocket Launchers in €630 million Deal
Sweden announced a purchase of the M142 HIMARS rocket system from Lockheed Martin, valued at nearly €630 million, with deliveries slated for next year.
Swedish defence officials revealed a €630 million agreement with Lockheed Martin for the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, with the first units to arrive next year. The purchase follows Sweden’s recent NATO membership and its intent to deepen rocket-artillery cooperation with neighbouring Finland, the alliance’s newest members. Minister for Defence Pal Jonson said the move underscores Sweden’s responsibility for European security and aims to improve capacity-building, maintenance and supply security for the systems.
Lockheed Martin will work with Sweden’s aerospace firm Saab on potential integration of Saab’s Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb and other weapon platforms, including the Patriot air-defence system. The HIMARS, first fielded in the early 2000s, gained prominence during the Ukraine war for its long-range precision strike capability. The deal marks a significant upgrade to Sweden’s land-force firepower and its role in NATO’s collective defence posture.
Why it matters
The purchase boosts Sweden’s long-range strike capacity and reinforces NATO’s deterrence in Europe.
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