From sea to land: SLASH unleashes strike potential of naval vessels

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage transits San Diego Bay upon returning to home port following a seven-month deployment in June 2023. A HIMARS was fired on the flight deck of the USS Anchorage in October 2017, demonstrating the capabilities of SLASH. [US Navy]

A variety of US naval ships could gain a potential boost in firepower when combined with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

The Sea Launched ATACMS from Shipboard HIMARS, referred to as "SLASH" or "HIMARS Afloat," integrates the proven precision of the M142 HIMARS with the versatility of shipboard deployment, enabling rapid, long-range missile strikes from maritime platforms.

HIMARS, a missile launcher mounted on a five-ton truck, can launch ATACMS missiles, which have a range of roughly 300km.

The system has a length of 7.2 meters, a width of 2.4 meters and a height of 3.2 meters, weighing in at 10,886kg.

Its relative smallness means that it can be deployed on a variety of vessels.

In October 2017, HIMARS was fired on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage. The class is designed to receive, transport and land elements of a landing force for expeditionary warfare.

Deployable on many ships

HIMARS likely can be deployed on the America-class and Wasp-class amphibious assault ships.

Amphibious assault ships, which are classified as landing helicopter assault or landing helicopter dock depending on their capabilities, resemble small aircraft carriers with bow-to-stern flight decks large enough to carry HIMARS.

The SLASH capability could be potentially employed on some types of destroyers or allied helicopter carriers.

The US Army's watercraft fleet, which is responsible for moving supplies, equipment and personnel in deep ocean water, shallow coastal waters, inland waterways and rivers, could help transport HIMARS to various vessels.

By combining land-based precision with a variety of naval vessels, SLASH expands the operational reach of US military forces and offers a powerful tool in modern warfare.

It allows US naval vessels that typically do not have artillery capabilities to engage adversary targets from a safe distance at sea, enhancing operational flexibility and range and reducing risk to personnel and assets.