Sweden buys American HIMARS systems and ammunition

For several years, Swedish authorities have been preparing the deal - now a decision has been made by the government.

Sweden buys the American rocket artillery system HIMARS and a large amount of ammunition of the GMLRS type.

- This gives the Swedish army an ability it lacks today, it gives the ability to strike at significantly longer distances than today, says Pål Jonson.

In total, it involves just over ten fire units, and the first units are expected to reach Sweden already next year. The total value is over SEK 7 billion.

- This is a strengthening and bringing forward the defense decision that the Riksdag made in December 2024.

Global shortage of ammunition

At the same time, there is a global shortage of ammunition for HIMARS. To solve that problem, a letter of intent has today been signed between Saab and the American company Lockheed Martin to manufacture the PrSM precision robot on site in Sweden, which can reach 500 kilometers.

The Swedish Armed Forces have not previously had a similar weapons system and will therefore need to build up new knowledge. This is knowledge that already exists in Finland - which has long had units specialized in rocket artillery.

Therefore, a joint declaration between Sweden and Finland and training and technical maintenance of units in Finland is also needed.

- This is another milestone in the increasing military cooperation between Finland and Sweden, says Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen.

The purchase is welcomed by the opposition:

- We stand behind the decision and it is anchored in the Riksdag through Defense Decision 2024. The system has high mobility, long range and high precision. It is an effective and good addition to the Swedish defense which clearly increases the military capability, says Peter Hultqvist (S), chairman of the defense committee.