Australia’s military fired the U.S.-made HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) for the first time on home soil during joint live-fire exercises with the United States and Singapore on Monday, marking a significant step in Australia’s evolving defence strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
The HIMARS system, mounted on armoured trucks and capable of striking targets up to 400 kilometres (250 miles) away, is in high demand globally—particularly in Ukraine—and is being adopted by several U.S. allies across the Indo-Pacific in response to China’s growing military presence.
The firing took place on the opening day of Talisman Sabre, Australia’s largest multinational war games. The exercise includes 40,000 troops from 19 nations and stretches across thousands of kilometres—from the Indian Ocean’s Christmas Island to the Coral Sea.
In a live-fire drill held in Shoalwater Bay, northern Queensland, HIMARS units were fired alongside U.S. F-35B fighter jets and other long-range land-based strike systems. Australia, the U.S., and Singapore jointly fired HIMARS in this exercise, marking the first such coordination between the three countries and the first time Australia has operated the system domestically.
“HIMARS will be integrated with other strike platforms to ensure a posture of denial that protects peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” said Brigadier Nick Wilson, the Australian Army’s Director General of Combined Live Fire.
Australian Governor General Sam Mostyn and Chief of Defence Admiral David Johnston observed the drill, underscoring its strategic importance.
Earlier this year, Australia received the first two of 42 HIMARS launchers ordered from Lockheed Martin. The country has committed to investing A$74 billion (US$49 billion) over the next decade to enhance its missile capabilities, including building domestic manufacturing capacity.
Australia plans to position HIMARS-equipped army regiments for rapid deployment to neighbouring Pacific nations with defence agreements, strengthening its northern defence perimeter.
U.S. Army Lieutenant General Joel Vowell, who oversees Pacific operations, emphasised the strategic purpose of the exercises. “Talisman Sabre is a deterrent mechanism. Our ultimate goal is no war, but we must prepare with our partners.”
The multinational drills also include forces from Japan, France, and South Korea, reinforcing growing defense ties among Indo-Pacific democracies.
Reuters/s.s