Sweden Acquires HIMARS Rocket Artillery System to Boost Military Capability

Sweden has finalized a significant defense deal to purchase the American High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), valued at over 7 billion kronor. Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced the contract, which includes approximately ten firing units and a substantial amount of ammunition, with the first deliveries expected in 2027. This acquisition markedly enhances the operational range of the Swedish Army, with HIMARS able to strike targets from 80 to 300 kilometers away, a major upgrade from the current Archer artillery system that reaches only 50-60 kilometers.

Alongside the purchase, Sweden plans to produce HIMARS ammunition domestically through a collaboration between Swedish defense company Saab and American firm Lockheed Martin. This joint effort aims to manufacture precision-guided missiles, including the PrSM, in Swedish factories, with future ammunition expected to have an extended range of up to 500 kilometers. This move addresses a global shortage of HIMARS ammunition and reflects Sweden's commitment to strengthening its defense industry.

The acquisition also features close military cooperation with Finland, a country with established expertise in rocket artillery. Sweden and Finland have signed a cooperation agreement enabling joint training exercises and technical maintenance, with a particular emphasis on operating and maintaining HIMARS. Finnish forces operate a heavier American rocket artillery system (M270), and this collaboration aims to integrate capabilities across the two nations to enhance regional security.

Defense committee chair Peter Hultqvist and other opposition parties have welcomed the acquisition, highlighting it as a critical step for Sweden's military readiness amid evolving security challenges. Jonson emphasized that HIMARS will provide Sweden with capabilities it previously lacked and complicate potential attacks on Sweden and its allies. This move aligns with the defense strategy approved by the Swedish parliament in December 2024, representing a significant modernization of Swedish artillery capacities and defense cooperation within the Nordic region.