The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and associated equipment, valued at an estimated $1.75 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the decision.
Canada has requested 26 M142 launchers along with a range of munitions and support equipment. The package 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 deal also covers practice rocket pods, integration support, spare parts, training, technical manuals, communication systems such as Type 1 radios, intercoms, and contractor-provided logistics and engineering assistance.
According to DSCA, the sale is intended to improve Canada’s long-range precision strike capabilities while strengthening interoperability within NATO. The agency stated, “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.”
Lockheed Martin, based in Grand Prairie, Texas, will be the principal contractor. Additional U.S. defense firms are expected to contribute logistics and training support. Implementation of the program will involve U.S. government and contractor representatives traveling to Canada for equipment fielding, training, and management reviews. DSCA noted that up to 20 government officials and 15 contractors could make such visits twice annually.
The State Department said the sale would not affect U.S. defense readiness or alter the military balance in the region. Canada, a NATO member, is expected to integrate the HIMARS system into its existing force structure as part of its broader modernization efforts.
This approval comes shortly after the United States authorized a similar request from Australia for 48 HIMARS launchers, underscoring the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery among U.S. allies. The system has seen extensive use in recent conflicts, including in Ukraine, where it has been employed for precision strikes against key targets. For Canada, the acquisition represents a significant expansion of its artillery capabilities.
