Who Makes HIMARS and How Much Do Missile Launchers Cost?

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is among those praising the U.S.-made M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, better known as HIMARS, for helping turn the tide of war in Kyiv's favor.

HIMARS, lightweight mobile launchers that are mounted on military vehicles, have proven to be formidable weapons in Ukraine against Russian forces.

Since they first arrived in Ukraine in June, Kyiv forces have successfully used them to strike ammunition depots, bridges and other key targets, hindering Russia's ability to resupply troops in the country.

Who makes HIMARS?

Lockheed Martin manufactures HIMARS chassis and launcher components at its facility in Camden, Arkansas.

On its website, the company describes the weapon as the "most technically advanced, affordable and sustainable artillery solution."

It is not clear exactly how much the rocket system costs today, but the unit price of HIMARS was around $5.1 million in 2014, according to Military Today. The figure included the launcher and some ammunition. Lockheed Martin has been contacted for comment.

HIMARS carries a single six-pack of GMLRS rockets or one TACMS missile, according to Lockheed Martin. Individual GMLRS rockets cost about $100,000.

Last week, the White House announced that the U.S. would send Ukraine a new $725 million package of weapons and other military assistance, including rounds for HIMARS.

Anton Gerashchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, told Newsweek last week that Ukraine would need another 32 HIMARS, as well as other military equipment, to defend itself against what he called Russia's "escalation" of the conflict.

"To continue the counteroffensive, preventing escalation from the Russian side and Ukrainian victory we need three times as much 155 mm artillery, three times as many HIMARS and the maximum amount of ammunition for them," he said.

Since the war began in February, the U.S. has committed about $17.6 billion in weapons and other equipment to Ukraine.

The U.S. has sent 20 HIMARS to Ukraine and has promised to send 18 more. However, those could take years to be built and delivered.

Over the summer, the Pentagon said a $200 million plan to expand and accelerate production of HIMARS was underway.

"As we continue providing security assistance to Ukraine, we are working with industry to accelerate production of critical weapons and systems," Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition William LaPlante said after a visit to Lockheed Martin facilities in Camden in August.

"This includes providing funding to buy more equipment, expand production lines, and support additional hiring and workforce development."