A new capability combining the US Army's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) with US Navy ships enables long-range precision strikes from the sea.

The M142 HIMARS is a missile launcher mounted on a five-ton truck that can fire guided missiles in quick succession, providing high-volume destructive, suppressive and counter-battery fire.

Weighing in at 16,200kg when fully combat loaded, the entire HIMARS can be transported by a C-17 Globemaster II or a C-130 Hercules.

The mobile aspect of HIMARS hinders adversary defenses. After launching missiles, the trucks can be quickly relocated.

Some HIMARS can launch Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, which have a range of up to 350km.

ATACMS missiles carry 227kg warheads and have an updated targeting system, making them especially lethal to moving targets such as ships and mobile ballistic missile launchers.

In 2017, a HIMARS was fired from the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage, demonstrating a new capability known as Sea-Launched ATACMS from Shipboard HIMARS, or SLASH.

Within the Army, this concept is also called "HIMARS Afloat," highlighting its adaptability for maritime operations.

HIMARS Afloat

SLASH marked a major evolution in the interoperability platforms shared by the Army and Navy.

By leveraging the capabilities of HIMARS, the Army and Navy have established a system that combines the lethality, precision and range of HIMARS with the mobility of a naval vessel, a transformative asset for maritime operations.

One of SLASH's critical advantages is its ability to destroy time-sensitive targets with pinpoint accuracy by using the Army's ATACMS missiles.

The standoff range of the ATACMS ensures greater survivability for the system and its naval platform, enabling deep strikes without exposure to avoidable risk.

Leveraging standoff-capable ATACMS munitions with the wide operational range offered by US Navy ships offers US forces power projection over vast distances.

By positioning these traditionally ground-based systems on a ship, the US military extends its operational range and hones joint forces' competitive edge.

Link 16

The integration of advanced communication systems, such as Link 16, promises to enhance SLASH's effectiveness.

Link 16 enables real-time tactical data sharing and situational awareness, empowering synchronization between joint forces as well as US partners and allies.

Numerous US and allied warships, aircraft and weapon systems are Link 16 compatible.

Link 16's connectivity allows forces operating SLASH to leverage the broadest array of real-time intelligence, ensuring targeting decisions are made with the best information available.

This cross-platform data-sharing further enhances SLASH's precision and lethality and empowers US forces' rapid response to a range of threats and emerging crises.