The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Canada of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment valued at an estimated $1.75 billion, according to a notification delivered to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Under the proposed deal, Canada has requested 26 M142 launchers and a comprehensive package of munitions, support equipment, and services aimed at enhancing its long-range precision strike capabilities.
The purchase includes 132 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary pods, 132 M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead pods, 32 M403 Extended Range GMLRS AW pods, 32 M404 Extended Range GMLRS Unitary pods, and 64 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) pods.
Additional items will include practice rocket pods, integration support, spare parts, training, technical manuals, communication systems such as Type 1 radios, intercom equipment, and contractor logistics and engineering support.
The State Department said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the military capabilities of a key NATO ally.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada,” the agency said.
Canada, a long-standing NATO member and contributor to global military, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions, is expected to integrate the HIMARS system seamlessly into its armed forces.
The deal will also expand Canada’s long-range precision strike capabilities, providing a critical layer of deterrence and rapid-response firepower. The M142 HIMARS, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is capable of firing a variety of precision-guided munitions — from GMLRS rockets with ranges of up to 80 kilometers to PrSM tactical missiles capable of striking targets more than 300 kilometers away.
Lockheed Martin, based in Grand Prairie, Texas, will serve as the principal contractor for the deal. The agreement will also involve integration and support from additional U.S. defense contractors providing logistics, technical assistance, and training.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, implementation of the program will require multiple visits to Canada by U.S. government and contractor representatives. “Up to twenty U.S. Government and up to fifteen contractor representatives” are expected to travel to Canada approximately twice per year for program management reviews, equipment fielding, and training.
The State Department emphasized that the sale will not negatively impact U.S. defense readiness. It also noted that the deal will not “alter the basic military balance in the region,” reflecting the defensive nature of the system and Canada’s established role within the NATO alliance.
The sale follows a similar decision just days earlier to approve Australia’s request to purchase 48 HIMARS launchers. Together, the two deals highlight a growing demand among U.S. allies for advanced long-range rocket artillery, particularly amid rising global security challenges and an increased focus on interoperability within the NATO alliance.
The HIMARS system has proven highly effective in modern conflict environments, including in Ukraine, where its precision strike capabilities have disrupted logistics, command nodes, and critical infrastructure. For Canada, the acquisition will mark a major upgrade to its artillery forces and reinforce its role as a capable contributor to allied operations.