The U.S. State Department has greenlit a potential $1.75 billion Foreign Military Sale to Canada, providing 26 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and a robust package of munitions, support equipment, and services.

The deal, aimed at enhancing Canada’s long-range precision strike capabilities, includes 132 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary pods, 132 M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead pods, 32 M403 Extended Range GMLRS AW pods, 32 M404 Extended Range GMLRS Unitary pods, and 64 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) pods. The package also encompasses practice rocket pods, spare parts, training, technical manuals, Type 1 radios, intercom equipment, and contractor logistics support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada,” the State Department said, highlighting Canada’s role as a key NATO ally and contributor to global military, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, Texas, the M142 HIMARS can fire precision-guided munitions, including GMLRS rockets with an 80-kilometer range and PrSM tactical missiles capable of striking targets beyond 300 kilometers. The system’s proven effectiveness in conflicts like Ukraine, where it has disrupted logistics and command nodes, underscores its value for Canada’s artillery modernization.

The agreement involves integration and support from U.S. defense contractors, with up to 20 U.S. government and 15 contractor representatives expected to visit Canada biannually for program management, equipment fielding, and training. The State Department emphasized that the sale will not affect U.S. defense readiness or alter the regional military balance, reflecting Canada’s defensive posture within NATO.

This deal follows a recent U.S. approval to sell 48 HIMARS launchers to Australia, signaling growing demand among allies for advanced rocket artillery amid global security challenges. For Canada, the acquisition marks a significant upgrade to its armed forces, enhancing deterrence and rapid-response capabilities while reinforcing its role in allied operations.

Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractor, with implementation expected to proceed smoothly as Canada integrates the HIMARS system into its military framework. (ILKHA)