Under a $2.6 billion (CAD)government-to-government agreement with the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program, the Government of Canada announced the acquisition of 26 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers on June 2.

 

“Canada’s Armed Forces must have the capabilities required to meet today’s threats and tomorrow’s challenges. The long-range missile capability is a critical step in supporting our military, so it remains ready and equipped to protect Canadians and support our allies and partners when needed,” Minister of Defence, David McGuinty said.

 

The purchase from January 2026 provides a preliminary operational stock of munitions, spare parts, training, and support services with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.

The total acquisition cost for LRPS(L) project, including project management, infrastructure, contracts, and contingency, is estimated at $2.6 billion.

 

The CFB Shilo Stag has been informed that operations at CFB Shilo remain unchanged.

 

“It will be a few years before these new systems arrive, which allows time to conduct new training with aid from experts on the new system and build the required training programmes needed to force-generate the new capability for operations.”

 

A government press release explains that as global security challenges continue to evolve, the Government of Canada is advancing investments to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the capabilities required to protect Canadians and contribute to international security.

 

“Canada’s 2024 defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, initiated the Long Range Precision Strike (Land) (LRPS(L)) project to acquire advanced long-range missile capabilities.”

 

Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Joël Lightbound said  in a rapidly changing security environment, standing still is not an option.

 

“The Long Range Precision Strike (Land) project will give the Canadian Armed Forces the ability to engage targets at long range and operate more effectively alongside our closest allies, while responding to emerging threats. And through our Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, we are turning this investment into good-paying Canadian jobs, supporting workers and creating opportunities for industry across the country.”

 

As part of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy obligations, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will undertake meaningful business activities and invest in Canadian industry to support the growth of Canada’s defence sector, the Government of Canada stated.

 

“Lockheed Martin plans to integrate Canadian companies into global supply chains, invest in Canadian research and development, and support the development of small and medium-sized businesses.”

 

“Following a rigorous evaluation process, HIMARS was identified as the only solution that best met Canada’s operational and technical requirements,” the media statement reads.

 

“There is currently no Canadian manufacturer for the HIMARS launcher system or associated long-range missile capability. HIMARS is not commercially available; the capability is only available through the United States (U.S.) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program.”

 

This investment will strengthen Canada’s ability to defend its territory, contribute to continental defence and support operations alongside allies and partners.

 

Commander of the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, said the rocket system capability marks a major step forward in modernizing the Canadian Army.

 

“High Mobility Artillery Rocket System will give the Army a mobile, long-range precision strike capability that can be deployed across Canada, including the Arctic, and abroad using existing Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft. When integrated with other modern capabilities—such as self-propelled artillery systems, sensors, and command and control—it will strengthen Canada’s ability to deter aggression, safeguard our sovereignty, and protect Canadians.”

 

In support of this acquisition, the Congressional Notification process was completed in Fall 2025. The launcher systems will be paired with long-range munitions capable of precisely engaging targets at distances of more than 300 kilometres, revolutionizing how the Canadian Army conducts operations and supports joint forces on future missions. The systems are also designed to integrate future land-based anti-ship missile capabilities to support the defence of Canada’s coasts, including the Arctic.

 

Quick Facts:

·                 The LRPS(L) capability supports Canada’s commitment to meeting North Atlantic Treaty Organization defence spending targets.

·                 The U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program allows foreign allies and partners of the U.S. to acquire defence articles, services, and training through government-to-government agreements. The FMS program is overseen by the U.S. Department of State and is managed and executed by the U.S. Department of War.

·                 The total acquisition cost for LRPS(L) – including project management costs, infrastructure, contracts, and contingency – is estimated at $2.6 billion CAD.

·                 While the acquisition under the FMS program covers the procurement of equipment and some short-term in-service support (ISS) elements, the long-term ISS solution will be acquired separately.

·                 Canada’s ITB Policy applies to the LRPS(L) project. Under this policy, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is required to provide business activities and investments in the Canadian economy equal to the value of its activities related to the Foreign Military Sale.