The HIMARS system’s main advantage is its mobility; the new “FLEX” system keeps this, while adding extra firepower and new autonomous options.

Lockheed Martin introduced an upgraded variant for one of the deadliest weapons in the Ukraine War.

The US defense giant recently introduced the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System’s (HIMARS) FLEX variant, promising dramatic improvements to the base HIMARS in accuracy, rate of fire, and battlefield adaptability.

The M142 HIMARS Launcher’s Specifications

• Year Introduced: 2005 
• Number Built: Over 750 
• Length: 23 feet (7 meters) 
• Total weight, battle ready: 35,800 lbs (16 tons) 
• Suspensions: parabolic leaf spring on XM1140 chassis  
• Engine: Caterpillar 3116 ATAAC 6.6 liter, 6 cylinder diesel engine (330 hp) 
• Armament: 6 x 227mm Guided/Multiple Launch Rocket System (G/MLRS) (there are several variants of the munition) or 2 x Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) or 1 x MGM-140 Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS). Depending on the munition, the HIMARS can strike targets up to 310 miles (500 km) and with remarkable precision, striking targets within 3 feet or 1 meter. The FLEX version will carry double the amount of munitions  
• Top Speed: 58 mph (94 kph) 
• Range: ~300 miles (480 km) 
• Crew: 3 (driver, gunner, commander) 

What’s New About Lockheed Martin’s FLEX System?

The M142 HIMARS is a rocket artillery system known for its mobility on the battlefield and ability to strike with precision at targets miles away.  

The FLEX version of the HIMARS comes with the new FLEXFires technology ecosystem, providing new munitions and autonomy options, enabling more mission capability. One of the most interesting features of the new variant is its ability to carry air and missile defense munitions, such as the PAC-3, which is normally used by the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system. But the most promising upgrade is the addition of another launcher pod, doubling the amount of munitions the M142 can carry.

“HIMARS FLEX will be a game changer in the future of offensive and defensive fires,” Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, said in a company media release. “Our FLEXFires technology suite will let operators scale loadout and add autonomous capabilities without sacrificing speed or accuracy.”    

The M142 HIMARS has enjoyed immense popularity in the hands of the Ukrainian military. The United States has provided Ukraine with dozens of M142s, and the Ukrainians have put them to excellent use, destroying Russian command and control posts, tank concentrations, troop barracks, ammunition depots, and transport infrastructure.

“Flexibility, interoperability, and proven performance are the three pillars defining today’s most effective deterrent capabilities,” Gaylia Campbell, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Tactical Missiles, said. “HIMARS FLEX brings our allies the ability to tailor offensive and defensive firepower to their specific needs while staying connected to a common, battle-proven ecosystem.” 

“The shoot-and-scoot nature of HIMARS FLEX, combined with increased munitions loadout, rapid reloading and optional autonomy, delivers distributed, survivable fire across contested environments—complicating adversary targeting and strengthening deterrence,” Lockheed Martin wrote of the new system.

The HIMARS’ Mobility Is a Big Selling Point

This increased mobility is an add-on to the already impressive mobility attributes of the rocket artillery systems.  

For example, the M142 HIMARS can also fit in transport aircraft, such as the C-130 Hercules, C-5 Galaxy, and C-17 Globemaster III. Its mobility capabilities allow it to quickly deploy around the world to support ground troops and strike enemy targets deep behind the front lines.  

Moreover, the artillery rocket’s speed also makes it an excellent weapon system for low-risk fire missions. A HIMARS can unleash its payload and be on the move before even the first missiles hit the target, making it almost impossible for the enemy to target it with counter-artillery fire.  

About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou  

Stavros Atlamazoglouis a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operationsand a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a JD from Boston College Law School. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

The post Lockheed Martin Just Put Out a Massive HIMARS Upgrade appeared first on The National Interest.

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