Sweden buys American Himars systems and plans local production of PrSM robots
Quick Look
- Sweden buys over ten Himars fire units and GMLRS ammunition from the USA for over SEK 7 billion.
- In order to solve the global ammunition shortage, a letter of intent is signed to manufacture PrSM robotic robots PrSM in Sweden together with Lockheed Martin.
- At the same time, a cooperation agreement is concluded with Finland on training and maintenance.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Sverige har tidigare saknat långdistansraketartilleri och beslutet följer försvarsbeslutet från december 2024. Finland har lång erfarenhet av raketartilleri och samarbetet syftar till kunskapsöverföring.
For several years, Swedish authorities have been preparing the deal - now a decision has been made by the government.
Sweden buys the American Himars rocket artillery system and a large amount of GMLRS type ammunition.
- 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.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
De första Himars-enheterna kommer att levereras till Sverige under 2027.
Likely · Within months
Tillverkning av PrSM-robotar i Sverige kommer att inledas inom två år efter att avsiktsförklaringen har skrivits under.
Possible · Within years
Open Questions
- När kommer tillverkningen av PrSM-robotar i Sverige att börja?
- Vilken exakt mängd ammunition köps in?
- Hur kommer kostnaderna för lokal tillverkning att fördelas mellan Saab och Lockheed Martin?
