TSAMTO, September 12. Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak has approved a framework agreement for the purchase of components of the M142 HIMARS MLRS launcher for HOMAR-A systems.
As reported by the Armaments Agency of the Polish Ministry of Defense, the ceremony took place on September 11 at the Artillery and Weapons training Center (Torun).
The subject of the framework agreement concluded by the Arms Agency and the American corporation Lockheed Martin is the supply of 486 launchers to equip 27 HOMAR-A jet divisions, as well as the provision of logistics and training packages. The American side will also have to provide related technical support. According to the agreed schedule, deliveries should begin at the end of 2025. After the contract is fulfilled, taking into account the M142 MLRS ordered in 2019, more than 500 HIMARS units will be in service with the Polish Armed Forces.
Further implementation of the HOMAR-A program will include the signing of separate executive agreements with both American and Polish companies, including for the supply of ammunition.
Using the experience of the first stage of the WISLA program and previously implemented programs, it is planned to place orders at Polish enterprises for the supply of control vehicles, maintenance, ammunition delivery and repair and evacuation vehicles.
The implementation of the HOMAR-A program involves technology transfer, which will be carried out on the basis of industrial cooperation, ensuring the maximum possible "polonization" of the system through the use of Polish components, including, first of all, the integration of elements of the M142 HIMARS launcher on the Jelcz chassis and the use of the Polish integrated combat control system "Topaz" (Topaz). It is also planned to purchase the production technology of the rocket used by the HIMARS MLRS.
As stated, the agreement is an important stage in the process of acquiring MLRS for the rocket forces and artillery of the Polish Armed Forces, which allow striking targets in the operational depth of the enemy's defense (up to 300 km).
The contract currently being implemented for the supply of the first HOMAR-A divisional firing module in the "American configuration" was signed in February 2019. According to its results, the Polish Armed Forces will receive 18 HIMARS combat launchers, 2 training launchers, as well as a stock of GMLRS rockets, ATACMS OTP and LCRRPR training ammunition. In addition, the order includes control vehicles, ammunition delivery vehicles and repair and evacuation vehicles, logistics support, training and maintenance. Deliveries of elements for the HOMAR-A first division are currently underway and will last until the end of this year.
HOMAR-A divisions will provide fire support for the actions of the Polish Ground Forces by striking targets deep in the enemy's defenses. HOMAR-A divisions will use GMLRS rocket ammunition (guidance using inertial and satellite navigation systems) for firing, allowing to hit targets at ranges up to 70 km with high accuracy, as well as ATACMS OTR with a firing range of up to 300 km.
As reported by TSAMTO, Mariusz Blaszczak announced the signing of a letter of request (LoR) for the additional purchase of up to 486 M142 HIMARS launchers in the United States to equip 80 rocket artillery batteries on May 26, 2022.
Approx. TSAMTO: The HOMAR program provides for the supply of new MLRS for the Polish Armed Forces. HOMAR-A is an adapted MLRS M142 HIMARS, HOMAR-K is an adapted MLRS K239 of the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace.
