In a crucial move to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression, Germany has committed to purchasing three US-made M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) for Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the deal during a visit to Washington, D.C., underscoring the growing cooperation between Western allies in their military support for Kyiv.
“In cooperation with the Americans, we will purchase three HIMARS launchers for Ukraine,” Pistorius stated, emphasizing that these systems would be “paid for by us,” signifying Germany’s financial involvement in bolstering Ukraine’s arsenal. This decision marks a vital step in the international effort to support Ukraine as it faces a relentless Russian offensive on the eastern front.
The HIMARS systems have proven to be a game-changer on the battlefield since their deployment by Ukraine in the summer of 2022. Capable of launching a salvo of six rockets with a range of approximately 50 miles, the HIMARS have enabled the Ukrainian military to target Russian troop concentrations, command posts, and logistics hubs with precision, disrupting the enemy’s operations and supply lines.
Despite Ukraine’s effective use of the 39 HIMARS already supplied by the U.S., the need for continued and enhanced military support has been highlighted by the small yet significant territorial gains achieved by Russian forces in recent months, including the capture of towns like Marinka and Avdiivka. The added HIMARS firepower is anticipated to reinforce Ukraine’s capacity to hold off the Russian offensive and potentially alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
The U.S. has also contributed by supplying the longest-range version of the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which extends Ukraine’s reach to approximately 190 miles, allowing for strategic strikes on Russian targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been resolute in his stance, asserting, “As soon as the arms supplies arrive, we will stop their initiative.”
Germany’s procurement of the HIMARS systems comes at a time when the arrival of $61 billion in US military aid to Ukraine had been delayed. This financial commitment by Germany to fund the acquisition from US stocks is a significant measure that demonstrates a united transatlantic front in responding to the crisis in Ukraine.
The HIMARS, a mobile launcher developed by the United States and operational since 1998, has been lauded for its quick deployment and precision targeting capabilities. It can launch various munitions, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), making it a flexible and effective asset on the modern battlefield.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine to Receive US-Made Mobile Rocket Systems Paid by Germany, Bloomberg, 05/10/2024
– Germany Says Allies Will Deliver 3 HIMARS Systems To Ukraine, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, 05/10/2024
– Germany to buy three US Himars rocket systems for Ukraine, The Telegraph, 05/10/2024
– Germany and US Army partner to deliver new M142 HIMARS rocket launchers to Ukraine, Army Recognition, 05/10/2024
– Germany to buy 3 HIMARS for Ukraine, Kyiv Independent, 05/09/2024