HIMARS and Airborne Forces from Poland Arrive in Finland

From the photos released, we can identify that the ship’s cargo included one M142 HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system, at least two high-mobility AERO vehicles, one Jelcz S662D.43 transport truck, and various HMMWVs (including the Tumak-2 version). This is likely the first time a Polish-operated HIMARS system has been transported aboard a Lublin-class vessel (Project 767). It’s worth recalling that these ships can carry up to nine heavy tracked vehicles of up to 45 tons each, and lighter wheeled vehicles can be stowed two per space on eight positions plus one on the bow station—e.g., up to 17 Star 266 trucks or smaller vehicles. Factory-built, Lublin-class ships were designed to transport 135 soldiers with personal gear and weapons. Exercise Swift Response 25 is scheduled to conclude on 31 May.

The M142 HIMARS is a U.S. 6×6 wheeled multiple-launch rocket system mounted on an Oshkosh M1140 truck chassis. It is powered by a 290 hp Caterpillar engine, has a top speed of 85 km/h and an operational range of 480 km. Being lighter than the tracked M270 MLRS, it can be air-lifted in medium transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules.   

Each M142 launcher carries one transport-launch container holding six GPS-guided GMLRS rockets with a range of approximately 80 km. A new Extended-Range GMLRS variant is currently being fielded. Alternatively, it can fire one MGM-140 ATACMS missile with a range exceeding 300 km, or two Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) that can reach targets over 400 km away. The M142 HIMARS is in service with the United States, Jordan, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.