LUXEMBOURG -The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will establish support for the life cycle management of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), under the Artillery and Rockets Missiles Support (ARMS) Partnership. NSPA will support Romania and Poland to strengthen their self-defence and support the overall NATO defence goals.
Through its Air & Land Combat System Programme, NSPA will build up a logistics support structure for the founder members of the partnership, Romania and Poland, drawing on the solid organisation and experience already in place for the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and exploiting commonalities with M270A1/ and A2 MLRS systems.
Romania is the first European nation to acquire HIMARS launchers. The country managed the acquisition through Foreign Military Sales (FMS), to receive fifty-four launchers and various Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) systems to equip three battalions and provide indirect fire support capability. The first deliveries started in 2021.
Poland also acquired via FMS 20 HIMARS and different GMLRS and ATACM systems among other related equipment. First deliveries are planned for 2023. HIMARS will expand Poland's capability to strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats.
In coordination with both nations, NSPA will develop a long-term support plan based on their needs and establish necessary FMS and commercial contracts exploiting commonalities, not only between Romania and Poland but also with other ARMS nations such as Finland, the United States or United Kingdom, when feasible.