Poland to Acquire 486 HIMARS Launchers
Mariusz Blaszczak, the head of Poland's Ministry of Defence, announced the approval of an agreement for the acquisition of 486 HIMARS missile launchers as part of the HOMAR-A program for the Polish Army. He made this announcement during his speech in Torun on Monday, September 11, as reported by the Polish publication RMF 24.
"Along with the 18 launchers ordered in 2019 – one squadron, the Polish army will have (over) 500 HIMARS launchers in 28 squadrons," Blaszczak declared.
Deliveries are planned to commence by the end of 2025. Despite opposition claims that 500 launchers are excessive, the minister confidently asserts that this quantity of HIMARS launchers is necessary for the effective deterrence of potential aggressors.
"It will be challenging to adapt and integrate the launchers with Polish systems, but after discussions with the Polish defense industry, I can assure that we will complete this integration within two years," Blaszczak reassured.
On Monday, the Polish Armaments Agency also announced that the program's implementation will involve signing individual executive contracts with American companies (including Lockheed Martin) for the supply of ammunition, as well as with Polish companies.
"The plan includes contracts with Polish industrial companies for the supply of command vehicles, technical protection, ammunition, and technical evacuation," the statement said.
Mariusz Blaszczak also revealed the arrival of the first HIMARS launchers in the country on May 15, while he was at the military airfield at Okecie Airport near Warsaw. The minister announced the establishment of the "HIMARS Academy" in Torun, where soldiers will receive training in launcher operation, logistics, and equipment maintenance.
It's worth noting that from September 5 to 8, the 31st International Defence Industry Exhibition took place in the Polish city of Kielce. This is one of the largest exhibitions in Europe showcasing the latest achievements in the defense industry from around the world. This year, the exhibition featured over 700 participants from 35 countries. During the exhibition, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki signed a letter of intent to co-finance the construction of a second production line for self-propelled howitzers Krab.