Canada seeks to buy Long Range Precision Rockets (probably US MLRS or HIMARS)

[Kirkhill]

Lockheed Martin unveils HIMARS FLEX with double firepower

Lockheed Martin announced the HIMARS FLEX on June 16, a modular evolution of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System that introduces a dual-pod launcher configuration capable of carrying double the munitions of the standard single-pod HIMARS, adds the ability

defence-blog.com

"Lockheed Martin announced the HIMARS FLEX on June 16, a modular evolution of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System that introduces a dual-pod launcher configuration capable of carrying double the munitions of the standard single-pod HIMARS, adds the ability to fire air and missile defense interceptors including the PAC-3 from the same chassis, and incorporates optional autonomous operation capabilities through what the company calls its FLEXFires technology ecosystem, all while retaining C-130 transport aircraft airlifting capability and NATO munitions compatibility."

Can we re-write the launcher request?

I'll have 90 of these.

And a missile factory.

 

[FJAG]

Sorry - I wrote this Sunday but forgot to post it.

I want to keep up with the Aussies.

90 HIMARS.

The Aussies have different outlooks. 4 Regt RAA is scheduled to become their K9 Regiment supporting their heavy brigade. There are 30 K9s being built. With the HIMATS purchase I expect that the 30 will be all they will have. Their regimental structures fluctuate and with 30 guns they may make two 12 gun regiments but that's pure speculation on my part.

With our NATO commitment we are buying three times as many guns for close support work for a division and more. That takes a large slice of our RegF artillery because of our penchant for only giving nice things to them. I agree though. We ought to buy more HIMARS.

They are turning into a particularly versatile piece of kit launching everything from ballistic rockets to long range ballistic missiles and with cruise missiles and loitering munitions also in the offing.

They may even have a role in Air Defence.

You know my distain for multi-rolling weapon systems and units. It's hard enough becoming proficient at one role.

Assuming that Canada's RegF leaders have finally got their heads screwed on right as to the need for fires, AD and logistics in war, there will be a much greater need for people to man the many more units of those types that we need. If I had my druthers, I'd cap the RegF army at what they already have, (I do think we need more airmen and sailors), expand the ARes and buy more equipment and man it mostly with specialized hybrid units.

 

[ArmyRick]

expand the ARes and buy more equipment and man it mostly with specialized hybrid units.

Must, must, must have parliamentary legislation to back that up. Maybe government incentives (bonus or tax reductions?) to hire and allow these pers to train in the ARes?

 

[Kirkhill]

Sorry - I wrote this Sunday but forgot to post it.

The Aussies have different outlooks. 4 Regt RAA is scheduled to become their K9 Regiment supporting their heavy brigade. There are 30 K9s being built. With the HIMATS purchase I expect that the 30 will be all they will have. Their regimental structures fluctuate and with 30 guns they may make two 12 gun regiments but that's pure speculation on my part.

With our NATO commitment we are buying three times as many guns for close support work for a division and more. That takes a large slice of our RegF artillery because of our penchant for only giving nice things to them. I agree though. We ought to buy more HIMARS.

You know my distain for multi-rolling weapon systems and units. It's hard enough becoming proficient at one role.

Assuming that Canada's RegF leaders have finally got their heads screwed on right as to the need for fires, AD and logistics in war, there will be a much greater need for people to man the many more units of those types that we need. If I had my druthers, I'd cap the RegF army at what they already have, (I do think we need more airmen and sailors), expand the ARes and buy more equipment and man it mostly with specialized hybrid units.

And yet the Flex solution uses one launcher to launch various missiles. Just like the navy's Mk41 VLS.

My point would be that the actual engagement skill is not onboard the launch vehicle. It may not even be on the same continent.

Delivering the launch vehicle to the launch site with the correct array of missiles is a logistical function.

Tasking the right missile to the right target with the right information is a command and control function.

The crew onboard the launch vehicle, if there is one, are not involved in targeting or even launching...or reloading.

The same launch vehicle can be supplied to divisional support batteries, GBAD batteries, IAMD or IFPC batteries, or coastal defence batteries.

And all the vehicle crew has to do is ensure the vehicle is operational, that it is in the right spot and that it is secure.

Regardless of the missiles onboard.

And if the threat appreciation changes, or there are more casualties among one type of artillery than the others, then the vehicles can be repurposed to an alternate command structure.

And given that the vehicles are now both LRPF and AD assets then I don't want 90.

I want 270.

90 for LRPF

18 West Coast
18 East Coast
54 Divisional with 18 tasked to a HIRAINs North mission

180 for IAMD, IFPC and GBAD.

And I still want the missile factory.