On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, American company Lockheed Martin presented a modernization proposal for the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) multiple rocket launcher, designated FLEX. The debut took place on the occasion of the 29th edition of Eurosatory 2026, the international defense industry trade show organized by Coges Events, taking place June 15-19 of this year in Paris-Nord Villepinte near Paris.
Image: Lockheed Martin
The American manufacturer is promoting the concept as a modular evolution of the M142 HIMARS on an Oshkosh M1140 FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) chassis, utilizing an entirely new FLEXFires technology ecosystem, with new ammunition integration options and autonomy capabilities.
The HIMARS FLEX launcher is to be mounted on a modified XM1140 chassis capable of transport aboard a C-130 Hercules and compatible with various fire control systems and standard MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) Family of Munitions (MFOM) artillery rocket ammunition types: 227mm GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System), Extended Range ER GMLRS, PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) family ballistic rockets, MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), and, as a new addition, PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) interceptor missiles and the IFPC system (for AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and the future SHIELD).
A distinctive feature is to be dual launch modules with FLEX pods, capable of accommodating 12 GMLRS/ER GMLRS rounds and two PrSM/ATACMS rounds, similar to the heavy M270 MLRS launcher. It is worth recalling that on November 13, 2024, an even heavier launcher was unveiled, with an equivalent of four standard M142 HIMARS fire units, mounted on a heavy Oshkosh LVSR 10×10 wheeled chassis.
As for the implementation of autonomy in the HIMARS FLEX system, it is worth mentioning Lockheed Martin’s company-level tests of an unmanned M142 surrogate, announced in December 2024 ‒ a solution separate from the US Army’s AML (Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher) currently under testing.
According to the manufacturer, FLEXFires technology comprises a basic single-pod kit, a dual FLEX pod kit, multiple platform options (mobile and containerized), and autonomy.
“HIMARS FLEX will be a game changer in the future of offensive and defensive fires,” said Tim Cahill, president, Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control. “Our FLEXFires technology suite will let operators scale loadout and add autonomous capabilities without sacrificing speed or accuracy.”
The HIMARS FLEX system, characterized by the ability to rapidly change firing position and immediately withdraw after the last shot (shoot-and-scoot), combined with increased ammunition capacity, rapid reloading, and optional autonomy, will provide dispersed, survivable fires across a contested battlespace ‒ complicating enemy targeting and strengthening deterrence.
“Flexibility, interoperability and proven performance are the three pillars defining today’s most effective deterrent capabilities,” said Gaylia Campbell, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Tactical Missiles. “HIMARS FLEX brings our allies the ability to tailor offensive and defensive firepower to their specific needs while staying connected to a common, battle-proven ecosystem.”
Learn more: https://t.co/Bki17YBBaj
— Lockheed Martin Europe (@LMEuropeNews) June 16, 2026
See also:
- Lockheed Martin to produce M142 HIMARS launchers for five countries
- Lithuania doubles number of M142 HIMARS launchers on order
- Australia approves purchase of additional M142 HIMARS launchers and PrSM Increment 2 ballistic missiles
- Estonia ordered additional M142 HIMARS launchers
- GMLRS ammunition for Singapore
- Sweden approved to purchase M142 HIMARS
- Combat Debut of the Latest U.S. PrSM Ballistic Missiles