Australia Announces Additional HIMARS and Bushmaster Vehicle Acquisitions

Australia has announced the acquisition of additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) produced by Lockheed Martin and Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles manufactured by Thales. The acquisition is valued at $2.3 billion AUD, equivalent to $1.65 billion USD, and includes the introduction of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).

The release stated that the second regiment will enable the Australian Defence Force to engage targets at ranges up to 500 kilometers, with future PrSM increments extending that to more than 1,000 kilometers. This acquisition adds to the 42 HIMARS previously ordered, which are currently being delivered.

State Department in September 2025 indicated Australia sought to buy 48 HIMARS launchers. Australia is establishing local production facilities for the PrSM, following the start of manufacturing for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System used with HIMARS.

Thales Australia stated that the investment will support development of a next-generation Bushmaster with improvements including increased personnel and towing capacity, integration of sensors and weapons, and a modular crew cabin. As part of the deal, Australia will sell an unspecified number of its existing Bushmaster vehicles to the Netherlands, which already operates the vehicle.

Australia has donated 120 Bushmasters to Ukraine for use in its defense against the Russian invasion.