Feature

Description

Full Name

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)

Type

Lightweight, multiple rocket launcher system

Manufacturer

Lockheed Martin Corporation, USA

Purpose

Engage and defeat artillery, air defence systems, light armour, vehicles, and troop concentrations

Users

Widely used by U.S., NATO allies, and recently supplied to Taiwan and Ukraine

Attribute

Specification

Mobility Platform

Mounted on a 5-ton Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV)

Launch Capability

Six precision-guided rockets per pod (range ~70 km) 

Or one Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) (range ~300 km)

Transportability

C-130 air-transportable – rapid deployment in remote areas

Fire Readiness

Requires less than 20 seconds to prepare for launch

Firing Time

Can fire a full load of 6 rockets in under 45 seconds

Shoot-and-Scoot Tactic

Launches and immediately relocates, reducing risk of counter-strike

Crew Protection

Increased Crew Protection cabin for shielding against launch debris, small arms fire, and rocket plume gases

Area

Details

Tactical Advantage

Offers precision strike capability with high mobility and quick deployment

Modern Warfare Role

Used in long-range precision fire missions, especially against static and high-value targets

Combat Proven

Extensively used in Ukraine conflict to destroy key Russian logistics and command centers

Mobility & Survivability

HIMARS uses "shoot-and-scoot" tactics that help avoid enemy counter-battery fire

Parameter

HIMARS

Indian Counterpart

Type

Wheeled rocket launcher

Pinaka MBRL (by DRDO)

Max Range

Up to 300 km (ATACMS)

~75–90 km (Pinaka Mk-2)

Launch System

C-130 air-transportable

Truck-mounted, not air transportable

Operator

Crew of 3

Crew of 4–5

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the strategic significance of precision artillery systems like HIMARS in modern warfare. Highlight how such systems can influence regional security dynamics in Asia-Pacific. 250 words