Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall collaborate on HiMARS sustainment

Canberra-based Lockheed Martin Australia and Brisbane-based Rheinmetall Defence Australia are collaborating to explore a potential Australian‑based sustainment model for Lockheed Martin’s M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) launchers. The Australian Army has ordered 42 HiMARS wheeled launchers which will equip the Army’s 10^th Brigade.

The Defence industry collaboration would up‑skill Australian technicians, engineers and systems specialists, says Lockheed Martin in a media release. Lockheed Martin Australia is exploring how such capabilities could support heavy-grade repair and specialist maintenance for HIMARS, complementing depot-level and unit-level sustainment activities already based in South Australia.

Using proven existing facilities, rather than duplicating or relying on outdated ones, boosts efficiency, scalability, resilience, and capability availability, Lockheed Martin says. “While the immediate priority is on supporting rollout of Australian HIMARS under Project LAND8113, the sustainment model being developed is scalable and is intended to align with Lockheed Martin’s global sustainment network,” according to a Lockheed Martin spokesperson. “This creates a pathway for Australian industry to support other HIMARS fleets in the future where appropriate and subject to approvals.”

HIMARS is a sophisticated, combat proven capability and sustaining it requires highly skilled technicians, engineers and systems specialists, the company adds. Exploring partnership pathways with Rheinmetall supports the development of these specialist skills within Australia.

The potential collaboration also represents an opportunity to deepen Australia’s expertise in heavy vehicle maintenance and complex systems sustainment. This includes building capability in complex maintenance and specialist support functions. This focus will contribute not only to HIMARS sustainment but also to strengthening Australia’s broader defence industrial base, says Lockheed Martin.

The deal taps into Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Queensland, one of Australia’s most advanced heavy vehicle sustainment and manufacturing facilities. Rheinmetall’s MILVEHCOE is purpose-built to support complex defence platforms and the site brings together specialist tooling, engineering expertise and secure infrastructure under one roof.

The collaboration agreement will also look at South Australian depots established by Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin for heavy‑grade repair and specialist maintenance, avoiding costly duplication, says Lockheed Martin.

The initiative sits squarely within the Australian Government’s Sovereign Defence Industrial Priority 3, opening doors for small and medium‑sized firms to supply parts, repair services and logistics support and reinforcing a resilient, cost‑effective land‑systems capability.