Croatia to join growing list of European HIMARS users after its FMS request approved

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Croatia of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment and services, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 30 August 2024.

The proposed sale, worth an estimated USD 390 million (EUR 353 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

Croatia has requested to buy eight M142 HIMARS; 24 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) pods with insensitive munitions propulsion systems (IMPS); 24 M31A2 GMLRS-Unitary high explosive (HE) pods with IMPS; two Next Generation Shop, Equipment, Contact and Maintenance Vehicle (NG SECM) versions of the M1152 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV); eight HMMWVs with command, control and communications shelters; and 36 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGR).

Also included in the deal are practice rockets, various radios, Common Fire Control Systems; International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems; software; training; resupply vehicles; technical assistance; and other related elements of programme and logistic support.

“The proposed sale will improve Croatia’s capability to deter current and future threats and support coalition operations as well as promote interoperability with the United States and other NATO forces,” the DSCA stated.

Croatia does not yet have the M142 HIMARS in its inventory, but with this FMS joins a growing list of European countries that have ordered the system in recent years in the face of Russian military belligerence. Poland, Romania and Ukraine already operate the system, while it has also been ordered by or approved for export to Italy, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway.

The principal contractor for the Croatian HIMARS sale will be Lockheed Martin out of its facilities in Grand Prairie, Texas. However, such is the demand for the system that, even if Croatia firms up its order immediately, it is unlikely to receive any systems before 2027.