First HIMARS system elements arrived in Romania
The main elements of the first Multiple Missile Launcher System – HIMARS that will be part of the Romanian Army endowment have arrived on Saturday, February 20, in the Port of Constanța.
The equipment and related materials will be transported to the headquarters of the 81st Tactical Operational Missile Battalion “Maior Gheorghe Șonțu” from Focșani, the first unit of the Romanian Land Forces that will have this system. The testing of acceptance and reception of the system will be carried out over the next period by the battalion.
The transportation of the elements of the system will be done by land means contracted and coordinated by specialized structures of the United States of America and the Ministry of National Defense.
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The acquisition of the HIMARS system (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) was established by Law number 46/2018 for the realization of the “Indirect Fire Support Capability” related to the endowment program “Multiple Rocket Launcher System with high strike” – HIMARS.
The document provides for the purchase of three systems with 18 launch facilities each, including, but not limited to, ammunition, control elements, sensors, logistics support, maintenance, cryptographic and special equipment, as well as the service of staff training at all required levels.
For Romania, the realization of the indirect fire support capability is an essential security interest and contributes significantly both to the consolidation of the strategic partnership with the United States of America and to the fulfillment of the commitments assumed by our country within NATO.
Considering the diversity of situations in which the Romanian Army must participate with troops, both on the national territory and especially outside it, it is necessary to equip the structures belonging to the General Staff of the Land Forces with high-performance support means, with increased capabilities, specific to both classical warfare and unconventional warfare. The multi-missile launch system is capable of providing combat support, both during the participation of forces in military actions and the training process.
Multiple missile launcher systems, an important part of the ground artillery system, will operate independently or integrated with other systems to accomplish missions. Due to the interoperability character, the multiple missile launch systems can be made available to NATO, in order to fulfill the commitments assumed by Romania within the Alliance and the regional initiatives.
The HIMARS system has proven its operational maturity in real conflicts, being tested during military operations.
