Poland prepares to buy over 100 HIMARS rocket launchers

Poland is gearing up to initiate talks for the acquisition of over 100 HIMARS rocket launchers under a framework agreement with US arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corporation. 

General Artur Kuptel, head of the Armaments Agency, confirmed that negotiations for the first executive contract for the HOMAR-A system will commence soon. The existing framework agreement covers a total of 486 units, with the initial contract set for more than 100, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The current ruling coalition, which took power in December 2023, has faced accusations from officials of the previous government regarding delays in arms purchases and concerns over potential scaling back or cancellation of prior orders following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Poland's government plans to allocate 4.1 per cent of its GDP to defence in 2024, maintaining the highest expenditure among NATO members for a second consecutive year, with a commitment to increase it to 4.7 per cent in 2025.

Before commencing negotiations for the HIMARS systems, Kuptel indicated that the agency needs to finalize discussions related to a similar precision rocket system ordered from South Korea. He did not provide a timeline for when HIMARS units might arrive in Poland or whether US commitments to prioritize deliveries to Ukraine could cause any delays.

Regarding the potential for local production of rockets for the HIMARS launchers, Kuptel expressed the intention for all combat capabilities, from small arms to large artillery and missile systems, to be manufactured in Poland, while acknowledging the need to align ambitions with actual capabilities.

In addition to the HIMARS agreement, Poland has also signed an order for 72 South Korean K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers, specified as HOMAR-K, with deliveries anticipated to start in 2026. A Polish defence firm, WB, and South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace plan to produce ammunition for these launchers in Poland.

The Armaments Agency has already signed around 100 military contracts in 2024, with more expected before the end of the year, according to Kuptel.

By Vafa Guliyeva