Latest news with #HighMobilityArtilleryRocketSystem
The Sun
28-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Sultan Nazrin graces LEMBING SAKTI 2025 military exercise
LUMUT: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today graced the LEMBING SAKTI 2025 Exercise at the Tanjung Hantu shooting range, here. Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, was also in attendance. Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Army Chief General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, and United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan. Their Royal Highnesses were briefed on safety protocols, followed by a photo session and live rocket firing demonstration. The Malaysian Army, in a statement, said that the royal couple's presence reflected the unwavering support of the royal institution towards the nation's defence readiness. 'LEMBING SAKTI 2025 Exercise demonstrates the tactical capabilities and steadfast dedication of the Malaysian Armed Forces in strengthening combat readiness and national defence capacity. 'The initiative also aligns with efforts to solidify a regional defence cooperation network through the involvement of friendly nations, in ensuring strategic stability and security in the region,' read the statement. It stated that the exercise aims to test the combat readiness and effectiveness of the rocket artillery system, as well as enhance inter-agency cooperation capabilities in joint land, sea, and air operations, among other objectives. The exercise provides exposure to the latest tactics and procedures for using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), as well as the implementation of the Complete Round Proof by the 40th Ordnance Corps Ammunition Engineering Command in collaboration with the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE). The exercise involved the deployment of SS-30 and SS-40 missiles by the Rocket Artillery Brigade as well as advanced weapon systems, including Artillery Saturation Rocket System (ASTROS), HIMARS, Artillery Hunting Radar (ARTHUR), Unmanned Aircraft System (FLYEYE) and the participation of KD MAHAWANGSA. It also demonstrated strategic cooperation involving the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Marine Police, and various other public agencies.
Barnama
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Sultan Nazrin Graces Lembing Sakti 2025 Military Exercise
LUMUT, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today graced the LEMBING SAKTI 2025 Exercise at the Tanjung Hantu shooting range, here. Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, was also in attendance. Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Army Chief General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, and United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan. Their Royal Highnesses were briefed on safety protocols, followed by a photo session and live rocket firing demonstration. The Malaysian Army, in a statement, said that the royal couple's presence reflected the unwavering support of the royal institution towards the nation's defence readiness. "LEMBING SAKTI 2025 Exercise demonstrates the tactical capabilities and steadfast dedication of the Malaysian Armed Forces in strengthening combat readiness and national defence capacity. 'The initiative also aligns with efforts to solidify a regional defence cooperation network through the involvement of friendly nations, in ensuring strategic stability and security in the region,' read the statement. It stated that the exercise aims to test the combat readiness and effectiveness of the rocket artillery system, as well as enhance inter-agency cooperation capabilities in joint land, sea, and air operations, among other objectives. The exercise provides exposure to the latest tactics and procedures for using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), as well as the implementation of the Complete Round Proof by the 40th Ordnance Corps Ammunition Engineering Command in collaboration with the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE).
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Taiwan helps the public prepare for a possible Chinese invasion
Taiwan conducted its annual Han Kuang military drills, lasting 10 days from 9 July, involving over 22,000 reservists in an unprecedented mobilisation. The exercises, observed by President Lai Ching Te, simulated defence against a potential Chinese invasion, including airfield assaults, urban warfare, and amphibious landings. The drills aimed to strengthen Taiwan's defences, counter China 's 'grey zone tactics', and utilised recently supplied US weapons like Abrams M1A2T tanks, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars) and waterborne drones. Beyond military readiness, the exercises involved civil defence groups and local officials, educating the public on preparedness for scenarios such as food shortages and air raid alerts. China condemned the drills as a 'bluffing and self-deceiving trick' and responded with significant 'harassment operations' around Taiwan's air and sea domains.
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Army Sends HIMARS to Pacific to Boost Long-Range Fires
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has strengthened its long-range fire capabilities in the Pacific theater as a Hawaii-based Army unit received the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). As part of the Army Transformation Initiative, which prioritizes long-range precision fires, the 25th Infantry Division—based at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii—is set to complete the replacement of howitzers with HIMARS launchers within weeks, the Pentagon announced. Why It Matters Amid China's rapid military buildup, the U.S. military has designated the Indo-Pacific as its "priority theater," deploying its most capable units across the region—including land-based missile systems capable of targeting the Chinese navy, now the world's largest by hull count. In alignment with the Pacific Ocean's vast maritime expanse, the U.S. Army is undergoing a transformation—divesting "outdated, redundant and inefficient" weapons—to enhance its lethality. The delivery of HIMARS launchers to the 25th Infantry Division coincides with the U.S. military's simultaneous participation in two large-scale Pacific war games: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 in Australia and the Air Force's Department-Level Exercise series. What To Know Photos released by the 25th Infantry Division show that its first batch of HIMARS launchers was delivered by a C-5 transport aircraft to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Monday. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers assigned to the United States Army 25th Infantry Division staged on the flight line after being unloaded from a C-5 transport aircraft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in... High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers assigned to the United States Army 25th Infantry Division staged on the flight line after being unloaded from a C-5 transport aircraft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 14. More Spc. Taylor Gray/U.S. Army The Army infantry unit is scheduled to replace 14 howitzers with 16 HIMARS launchers. According to the Pentagon, this transformation in firepower will enhance the unit's long-range precision strike capability and bolster its warfighting readiness in the Indo-Pacific. The truck-mounted HIMARS—widely known for its use by Ukraine in its war against Russia—is capable of launching "versatile, accurate, precision-strike munitions" such as rockets and missiles with ranges from 9.3 to over 310 miles and can be rapidly deployed, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin. In comparison, the 105 mm and 155 mm howitzers being phased out by the 25th Infantry Division—both classified as towed artillery systems—have maximum ranges of about 8.5 miles and almost 20 miles, respectively, according to defense outlet the War Zone. U.S. Army Major General Marcus Evans, the commander of the 25th Infantry Division, said the introduction of the HIMARS would extend the division's operational reach and enhance soldier protection by allowing troops to fire munitions and quickly relocate to safer positions. A total of 73 soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division are transitioning from operating howitzers to HIMARS, according to the Pentagon. Of those, 27 have trained with the National Guard as part of their effort to learn how to operate the HIMARS on the battlefield. A HIMARS launcher firing a rocket during a joint military exercise between the United States and the Philippines in Laur, Nueva Ecija province, the Philippines, on August 9, 2024. A HIMARS launcher firing a rocket during a joint military exercise between the United States and the Philippines in Laur, Nueva Ecija province, the Philippines, on August 9, People Are Saying U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote in a memo to senior Pentagon leadership in April: "To build a leaner, more lethal force, the Army must transform at an accelerated pace by divesting outdated, redundant, and inefficient programs, as well as restructuring headquarters and acquisition systems. Simultaneously, the Army must prioritize investments in accordance with the Administration's strategy, ensuring existing resources are prioritized to improve long-range precision fires, air and missile defense including through the Golden Dome for America, cyber, electronic warfare, and counter-space capabilities." U.S. Army Major General Marcus Evans, the commander of the 25th Infantry Division, said in a news release on Wednesday: "And so now soldiers, instead of working behind a cannon system and towed artillery, they will work with a weapon system that [not only] has increased survivability, but increased operational reach with the range that [HIMARS] have." What Happens Next It remains to be seen which U.S. military units based in the Pacific theater will be next to undergo a similar transformation to enhance their operational capabilities in the region.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Australia hosts the largest-ever military exercise with 19 nations, leading South-East Asia nations also involved
Australian defence force drive their High Mobility Artillery Rocket System for firing during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, Australia's largest-ever war fighting drills at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, near Rockhampton, Australia, Monday, July 14, 2025. - AP Photo/Rick Rycroft MELBOURNE, Australia (AP): The largest-ever war-fighting drills in Australia, Exercise Talisman Sabre, are underway but it is expected to attract the attention of Chinese spy ships. Australia launched missiles from its M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS, on Monday during live-fire exercises at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, a 4,500 square kilometer (1,700 square mile) Outback expanse in Queensland state. The HIMARS launchers were recently bought from the United States. "Today was the first time the Australian Army has live-fired our long-range, multi-domain platforms being the HIMARS, so it is a remarkable day," Brig. Nick Wilson told reporters. Talisman Sabre began in 2005 as a biennial joint exercise between the United States and Australia. This year, more than 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations, including Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom, will take part over three weeks, Australia's defense department said. Malaysia and Vietnam are also attending as observers. The exercise will also take place in Papua New Guinea, Australia's nearest neighbour. It is the first time Talisman Sabre activities have been held outside Australia. HIMARS rockets are fired by Australian, U.S. and Singapore defence forces as part of the Talisman Sabre 2025 joint war fighting exercise, at Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia, July 14, 2025.-- REUTERS/Kirsty Needham Chinese surveillance ships have monitored naval exercises off the Australian coast during the last four Talisman Sabre exercises and were expected to surveil the current exercise, Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. "The Chinese military have observed these exercises since 2017. It'd be very unusual for them not to observe it,' Conroy said. "We'll adjust accordingly. We'll obviously observe their activities and monitor their presence around Australia, but we'll also adjust how we conduct those exercises,' Conroy added. Conroy said the Chinese were not yet shadowing ships as of Sunday. The exercise officially started on Sunday with a ceremony in Sydney attended by Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific Lt. Gen. J.B. Vowell and Australia's Chief of Joint Operations Vice-Adm. Justin Jones. The exercise, showcasing Australia's defense alliance with the United States, started a day after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began a six-day visit to China, where he is expected to hold his fourth face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday. Albanese said Chinese surveillance of Talisman Sabre would not be an issue raised with Xi. "That would be nothing unusual. That has happened in the past and I'll continue to assert Australia's national interest, as I do,' Albanese told reporters in Shanghai Monday. Albanese also noted that while he had visited the United States as prime minister five times, he had only been to China twice. The Australian leader has been criticized at home for failing to secure a face-to-face meeting with the US President Donald Trump. "I look forward to a constructive engagement with President Trump. We have had three constructive phone conversations,' Albanese said. - AP
