The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System or commonly referred to as HIMARS is a modern Artillery vehicle. With its precise fire power, enhanced responsiveness and mobility, the HIMARS has been operated by 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery (23 SA) during its training, both locally as well as overseas. The first live-firing by HIMARS was completed in an overseas exercise – Exercise Forging Sabre – in 2009.

Here are some other fun facts you may not be aware of this lethal asset!
 

1. The HIMARS may look bulky, but it is actually very agile.

Do not let its looks fool you! The HIMARS can travel fast on the field - up to a speed of 94km/h and with a full tank, can cover up to a maximum of 480 km! The vehicle is also able to cross wet terrains with depth of up to 0.76m.
 

2. It fires multiple missiles within a short span of time.

The HIMARS carries a single pod of six Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) rockets and is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. It takes only 20 seconds to ready the rockets and within 45 seconds, all rockets can be fired. Talk about being efficient!
 

3. It also gathers and sends information from the battlefield. 

Even though the HIMARS is primarily used to fire rockets at enemies, the Battlefield Management System (BMS) also allows it to quickly send information back to the command post, as well as to other platforms. This helps to provide a "better picture" of the battlefield for planning and coordination purposes.

Written by: PTE Stanley Ong (Army News)
Photography by: Army News, with some footages contributed by 23 SA