September 19, 2007:
Singapore
is buying 18 U.S. truck mounted MLRS (HIMARS) rocket launchers. This system
carriers only one six rocket container (instead of two in the MLRS), but the 12
ton truck can fit into a C-130 transport (unlike the 22 ton tracked MLRS). The
first of the 900 HIMARS vehicles were issued to American combat units three
years ago. The U.S. Army is using most of the HIMARS, with the marines getting
the rest. Singapore is one of several export customers. Singapore is also
buying 32 pods (six rocket cells) containing the 680 pound GMLRS (guided
multiple launch rocket system) rocket. This GPS guided 227mm rocket was first
used three years ago. It has a range of 70 kilometers and the ability to land
within meters of its intended target at any range. This is because it uses GPS
(plus a back up inertial guidance system) to find its target. Singapore is
getting the version with a 180 pound high explosive warhead. The U.S. Army is
buying 100,000 GMLRS , which have been used with great success in Iraq and
Afghanistan. The guided rocket is much more effective than the older, unguided,
version, and appears to be replacing it.