Sweden is moving ahead with plans to introduce HIMARS into its armed forces after the government approved a procurement package worth approximately 7 billion kronor, equivalent to about $727 million. Deliveries of the American-made M142 rocket artillery system are planned to start in 2027. The new capability will supplement rather than replace Sweden’s conventional artillery, including the Archer self-propelled howitzer.The acquisition supports Stockholm’s broader military expansion for the 2025–2030 period. Sweden is restructuring and enlarging its artillery force following its NATO membership and heightened concern over the security situation in Europe. The Army is expected to add two artillery battalions and establish another unit focused on rocket artillery. This expansion follows earlier Archer investments, including an order for 48 Archer 8×8 systems in 2023 and 18 more in 2025, while 24 Archer 6×6 platforms are undergoing modernization to the Version C configuration.Although the government has not revealed the exact HIMARS quantity, Sweden previously requested up to 20 launchers with ammunition and related equipment. Washington approved that possible sale earlier this year, providing a framework for Stockholm’s eventual purchase.Finland will also play an important role in Sweden’s transition to rocket artillery. The neighboring countries have signed a cooperation arrangement covering training, maintenance, logistics, supply resilience, production and capability development. Finland operates 41 M270 launchers and has considerable experience with the same broader family of rockets and missiles used by HIMARS, including GMLRS and ATACMS.Industrial cooperation is expanding as well. Lockheed Martin has reached an agreement with Saab concerning potential GLSDB integration and ammunition-related production opportunities. Compared with conventional GMLRS, the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb offers longer-range engagement and a more flexible trajectory, allowing targets to be approached from different directions. Together, these developments could strengthen Sweden’s future long-range strike capability while increasing Nordic and domestic industrial cooperation.
