The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment to the Netherlands.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) estimates the purchase of 20 M142 HIMARS launchers, 39 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) alternative warhead missile pods, 38 M31A2 GMLRS Unitary high explosive missile pods, 80 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile pods and 17 Humvee vehicles would have an estimated cost of $670 million.
Also included are M28A2 reduced range practice rocket pods, radios with similar “SINCGARS” capability, including vehicular dual long-range radio systems w/GPS; single radio, long range vehicular system w/GPS, high frequency/VHF radios, M1084A2 cargo trucks, and other resupply vehicles.
“The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies. The Netherlands intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats,” the DSCA said in an announcement.
The Dutch approval comes amid increasing popularity of HIMARS after its successes in Ukraine, where it is benefitting Ukrainian forces in their defense against the Russian invasion.
Earlier this month, the US approved a potential $10B HIMARS package for Poland after Australia previously confirmed it would be buying up to 20 HIMARS launchers for an estimated cost of $385 million.
It is worth noting that the US also approved the Netherlands to buy $1.2 billion of Patriot missiles. The country is also participating in the supply of Patriot air-defense systems to Ukraine.
