Australia fires first HIMARS long-range rocket in war game with US

 

Australia has fired a HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) on its own soil for the first time, marking a major milestone in joint military exercises with the United States and other regional allies. This event took place on the opening day of Talisman Sabre, Australia's largest military war games, which include participation from 19 countries and involve up to 40,000 troops. The war games span a vast area from Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean to the Coral Sea on the east coast. HIMARS, capable of striking targets up to 400 km away, is seen as a key component in strengthening long-range strike capabilities amid growing concerns over China’s military rise in the Indo-Pacific. These systems have also gained global attention due to their use in the war in Ukraine. Australia's collaboration in the HIMARS launch included the U.S. and Singapore, and was the first time these three nations jointly fired the system in an exercise. Brigadier Nick Wilson, who oversees the live-fire segment of the drills, highlighted the strategic importance of HIMARS in Australia’s evolving defense approach, aimed at enhancing regional deterrence. The live-fire exercise took place in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, and was witnessed by high-ranking Australian officials including Governor General Sam Mostyn and Defence Chief Admiral David Johnston. Australia's military strategy increasingly emphasizes rapid deployment and regional security cooperation. With HIMARS units capable of being deployed to neighboring islands through defense agreements, Australia aims to bolster its ability to secure its northern approaches in a potential conflict scenario. Lockheed Martin delivered the first two of 42 HIMARS units to Australia in April, with more expected as part of its defense upgrade.

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The Talisman Sabre joint exercises reflect Australia’s shift toward long-range strike capabilities and closer defense coordination with Indo-Pacific allies. The launch of HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) by Australia, the United States, and Singapore underscores a growing focus on strategic deterrence amid regional tensions, especially with China’s expanding influence. HIMARS, mounted on armored trucks, offers mobility and precision with the ability to hit targets 400 kilometers away. Its popularity has soared due to successful deployment in Ukraine. Now, Indo-Pacific nations, including Australia, are incorporating them to counterbalance potential threats in the region. According to Brigadier Nick Wilson, HIMARS will work alongside other missile platforms to enforce a "strategy of denial" essentially deterring adversaries through credible strike capabilities. Australia's HIMARS capability is part of a broader military transformation. The country plans to invest A$74 billion (US$49 billion) over the next ten years into missile systems, including establishing a domestic manufacturing capacity. The goal is to create a resilient and responsive defense network that can project force across the region, especially into contested northern waters. The live-fire drills are also a political signal. Attended by the Governor General and military leaders, the exercise demonstrated Australia's readiness and its strengthening ties with defense partners like the U.S., Japan, France, and South Korea. These drills serve both tactical and diplomatic purposes, reinforcing regional alliances and deterrence strategies. Lieutenant General Joel Vowell of the U.S. Army Pacific emphasized the peacekeeping objective of the Talisman Sabre drills. He described the multinational collaboration as a "deterrent mechanism" aimed at preventing conflict. As regional flashpoints grow more complex, exercises like these highlight the increasing necessity for military preparedness, interoperability, and forward-deployed strike options across the Indo-Pacific.

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