US agrees to sell 20 HIMARS to Netherlands for $670 million

The US approved the Netherlands' potential $670 million purchase of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

The HIMARS has become in high demand following their provision to Ukraine last summer and its effectiveness in carrying out precision strikes against Russian forces in the months since.

The State Department granted a favorable determination for the foreign military sale, which the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) published and notified Congress as required by law, Fox News reports.

That begins a period of congressional review in which lawmakers could theoretically hold a vote to block the sale, although that's unlikely to occur given the Netherlands' status as a key NATO ally. Barring action by Congress, the deal can be finalized and move to procurement in the next few weeks.

The Netherlands has asked to buy 20 M142 HIMARS launchers, 80 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile pods, 77 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket pods, plus a number of support vehicles, radars and spare parts. The deal, which is valued at $670 million, includes training and technical support from the US government and contractors.

Regarding the HIMARS sale to the Netherlands, the DSCA announcement said it will "support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe."

"The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies," the announcement continued. "The Netherlands intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces."

DSCA added, "There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale."