The Swedish government has authorized its Armed Forces to procure the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin. Concurrently, Sweden and Finland signed a joint declaration to enhance cooperation on rocket artillery capabilities, aiming to strengthen long-range precision strike capacity and collective defense in northern Europe.
Goverment Offices of Sweden press release:
The Government is authorising the Swedish Armed Forces to procure the US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). In a separate announcement, Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen have signed a Joint Declaration regarding cooperation on the countries’ rocket artillery systems.
The acquisition of rocket artillery will enable the Swedish Armed Forces to operate over larger areas, and with greater long-range capacity than with current systems. Cooperation with Finland also means enhanced capabilities for the defence of northern Europe.
“The introduction of rocket artillery clearly demonstrates that Sweden is taking responsibility for security in Europe. The Joint Declaration with Finland aims to boost capacity-building, maintenance and security of supply for the systems. Together, we are developing important capabilities for NATO’s collective defence,” says Mr Jonson.
Key role in defence
Rocket artillery plays a more important role in long-range combat than conventional artillery and in advanced precision combat. In light of the security situation, rapidly available capabilities are needed that complement conventional artillery systems such as Archer artillery systems and grenade launchers, and that are also compatible with Allies’ systems.
HIMARS is produced by US defence supplier Lockheed Martin. The first deliveries are set for 2027. Procurement costs are around SEK 7 billion and will be financed through the Swedish Armed Forces’ regular investment plan and within the framework of an ‘opportune purchase’. The procurement of rocket artillery is part of the Total Defence Bill 2025–2030.
In parallel with the procurement, Lockheed Martin and Sweden’s Saab are signing a Joint Declaration regarding cooperation on the potential integration of Saab’s Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) and the production of munitions for HIMARS and other systems, such as the Patriot air defence system. These are important contributions for the increased security of supply of munitions.
Swedish-Finnish cooperation on defence capabilities
Sweden’s Minister for Defence and Finland’s Minister of Defence have also signed a Joint Declaration regarding cooperation on the countries’ rocket artillery capabilities.
The cooperation includes training, education and capability development, as well as maintenance, security of supply and cooperation on production.
Finland has the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), which uses the same munitions and components as HIMARS.