Sweden to purchase US HIMARS rocket artillery for $750M

Sweden will purchase the US-made HIMARS rocket artillery system and a large quantity of ammunition in a deal worth more than 7 billion Swedish kronor (nearly $750 million), local media reported on Monday.

The government approved the acquisition after years of preparations, according to Swedish public broadcaster SVT.

The purchase covers more than 10 firing units and GMLRS ammunition, with the first systems expected to arrive in Sweden next year.

“This gives the Swedish army a capability it does not have today, the ability to strike at significantly longer distances than today,” Defense Minister Pal Jonson said.

Alongside the acquisition, Swedish defense company Saab and US manufacturer Lockheed Martin signed a letter of intent on Monday to produce Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) ammunition in Sweden amid a global shortage of HIMARS ammunition.

The missiles can reach targets up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) away, according to SVT.

Sweden and Finland also agreed to deepen cooperation on the system, including training and technical maintenance in Finland, which has long operated units specializing in rocket artillery.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen described the move as another “milestone” in deepening military cooperation between the two countries, according to the report.