Sweden has approved the acquisition of Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in a deal worth approximately 7 billion Swedish kronor ($733 million). The government says the deteriorating security environment makes it necessary to introduce rapidly deployable long-range strike capabilities alongside the country’s existing Archer self-propelled artillery.
According to the Swedish Ministry of Defence, the first HIMARS units are expected to be delivered in 2027. The new rocket artillery capability will enable the Swedish Armed Forces to cover greater distances and operate across wider areas than their current artillery systems.
“The introduction of rocket artillery clearly demonstrates that Sweden is taking responsibility for security in Europe,” Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said.
Sweden’s acquisition comes as European countries continue to strengthen their long-range artillery capabilities. Estonia raised concerns in April over potential delays in HIMARS ammunition deliveries amid competing U.S. military demands linked to the Iran conflict. However, Sweden’s planned delivery schedule suggests that launcher production itself may not be significantly affected by such pressures.
Neighboring Norway has taken a different approach. In January, it selected South Korea’s Hanwha Chunmoo rocket artillery system in a deal valued at around $2 billion. Norway chose Chunmoo over HIMARS in part because of the availability of longer-range ammunition.
For Sweden, the addition of HIMARS is intended to provide a significant increase in precision long-range firepower.
“The fact that we are now procuring HIMARS and getting long-range precision combat capability on the ground is important not only for the Army but for the Armed Forces as a whole and for our allies,” said Swedish Army chief Maj. Gen. Johan Pekkari.
The Swedish HIMARS fleet will form a dedicated rocket artillery unit, following plans established in the country’s 2024 defence policy. The defence plan covering 2025–2030 calls for the creation of a rocket artillery unit alongside two Archer battalions.
Sweden’s decision, combined with Norway’s selection of Chunmoo, could also narrow the potential European market for a domestically developed alternative to HIMARS. France is currently working with MBDA and Safran on a new multiple rocket launcher system intended to provide a European long-range artillery capability.
Alongside the HIMARS procurement, Lockheed Martin and Saab are preparing a joint declaration covering possible cooperation on integrating Saab’s Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb with HIMARS. The companies are also exploring potential ammunition production for HIMARS and other platforms, including the Patriot air-defence system.
Sweden is also deepening its cooperation with Finland on rocket artillery. The two countries have signed a declaration covering areas such as training, security of supply and ammunition production. Finland’s Multiple Launch Rocket System uses many of the same munitions and components as HIMARS, creating opportunities for closer logistical and operational cooperation.
The Swedish purchase therefore represents more than an expansion of the country’s artillery inventory. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen long-range precision strike capabilities, deepen defence cooperation with neighbouring countries and build greater resilience within Europe’s military supply chains.
