Canada’s Quest for the Ultimate Long-Range Strike
Locked, Loaded & Long-Range
BY JOETEY ATTARIWALA
Canada’s 2024 Defence Policy, Our North Strong and Free, committed to acquiring long-range missile capabilities to enable the Army to deter threats to Canada from an appropriate distance and to reach targets at greater ranges than our adversaries in combat.
The Long-Range Precision Strike (Land) project will equip the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with land-based long-range strike capabilities to overmatch adversarial powers. Acquisition will include mobile launcher platforms, various missiles, support vehicles to transport missiles, and training.
The launcher systems will be paired with long-range munitions that can precisely engage targets at ranges up to 300 km and beyond to support joint forces on future missions and will revolutionize the way the Canadian Army can conduct operations. They will also be equipped with land-based anti-ship missile capabilities when available, which can help to defend Canadian coasts, including the Arctic.
A statement provided to CDR by the Department of National Defence states that, “The HIMARS are the only available capability that will meet all the Department of National Defence (DND) and CAF requirements. The HIMARS, Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions, and associated fire control are produced by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. They are not commercially available, and only available through the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program. For equipment and services not included in the Foreign Military Sale, options on existing contracts will be exercised along with competitive procurement processes which will provide additional opportunities for Canadian businesses.”
With the Congressional Notification process now complete, the U.S. Government will provide a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to the Government of Canada. According to DND, neither the receipt of Congressional Notification or an LOA commits Canada to the purchase of the HIMARS.
“Once received, the Government of Canada will review the LOA and make a decision based on its contents. As part of the development process for acquisition strategies, Canada will continue to carefully consider various factors, including geo-political considerations, operational effectiveness, interoperability, and economic benefits to Canada,” said DND.
CDR has identified a number weapon systems which could be suitable for the Long-Range Precision Strike (LRPS) (Land) project, they are the Lockheed Martin HIMARS, the Hanwha Aerospace Chunmoo, and the Elbit Systems Precise & Universal Rocket Launcher (PULS).
READ: HIMARS and Canada’s Future Joint Operations
Lockheed Martin is a global leader in precision rocket artillery, and it positions its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) as a pivotal platform and critical enabler of modern, multi-domain operations. Their HIMARS launcher embodies decades of operational experience, innovation and responsiveness to allied needs. HIMARS is combat-proven, having been deployed successfully in multiple theaters worldwide, including NATO operations and coalition missions. For Canada, this system offers the chance to rapidly field a mature, combat-proven solution that enhances strategic deterrence while integrating seamlessly into coalition operations. The popularity of the HIMARS has ensured supply chain resilience as Lockheed Martin has scaled production and established robust supply chains, ensuring rapid replenishment of rockets and missiles in high-tempo operations.
As Frank St. John, COO of Lockheed Martin, emphasized: “Lockheed Martin remains committed to ramping production of high-demand systems, like HIMARS, Javelin, GMLRS, PAC-3 and more.”
According to Lockheed, HIMARS delivers unmatched precision, lethality and mobility. The launcher is a wheeled, highly deployable, expeditionary platform capable of firing a mix of shorter, medium and long-range munitions – enabling tailored responses to a variety of mission profiles. These include GMLRS rockets (up to 70+ km), Extended-Range GMLRS (150+ km), ATACMS (300 km) and the Precision Strike Missile (400+ km) with increased survivability over challenging terrain.
HIMARS uniquely blends mobility needs as it can be rapidly deployed by aircraft like the C-130J, and uses NATO standard munitions like GMLRS and PrSM. The HIMARS simultaneously satisfies the CAF’s LRPS timeline, the harsh Arctic operating environment and the alliance interoperability requirements essential for Canada’s defence strategy. Lockheed Martin claims an accelerated 18-month post-award delivery schedule, and a robust Canadian industry offset package.
Lockheed Martin’s MLRS systems, the HIMARS and the larger tracked M270A2 launcher, engage targets with GPS-guided munitions, increasing first round effectiveness while reducing collateral damage. Fast reload and high mobility allow service members to strike and reposition quickly, a crucial factor in Canada’s dispersed operational environments.
HIMARS, in particular, provides Canada with a cost-effective way to project precision fires without requiring large numbers of heavy, tracked vehicles. The system’s logistical footprint is smaller than some MLRS options, which aligns with the Canadian Army’s focus on mobility across its varied terrain.
Interoperability is a cornerstone of NATO operations and a critical requirement for Canada. HIMARS, and the larger tracked M270 launcher, are already fully integrated into allied networks – including command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. This ensures that Canadian Armed Forces can coordinate seamlessly with partners during joint exercises or operational deployments.
Lockheed Martin has consistently emphasized that its systems are designed to operate within a networked coalition environment, ensuring that Canada can contribute meaningfully to combined arms and joint fires missions while benefiting from allied operational experience.
With respect to interoperability and Allied standardization, the GMLRS and ATACMS munitions are widely used by NATO forces, simplifying munitions sharing and training interoperability. The HIMARS system supports modern digital fire-control systems compatible with Canadian C2 infrastructure, enabling rapid targeting and integration with coalition networks. Participation in multinational exercises using HIMARS or the M270 reduces integration risk and accelerates Canadian forces’ readiness.
Lockheed Martin continuously invests in improving HIMARS and the M270, ensuring the systems remain relevant against evolving threats. Their modernization roadmap includes next-generation extended-range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) capability, as well as integration across networked targeting infrastructure.
Future developments relevant to Canada include: ER GMLRS rockets which extend the effective range of the standard GMLRS up to 150+ km, increasing strategic reach while maintaining precision. PrSM Increment 1 extends reach well beyond 400+ km and Increment 2 will add capability to neutralize moving land and maritime targets. Future developments also include integration with emerging sensor networks. Advanced targeting using UAVs, radar and satellite systems will allow for near real-time target acquisition.
Upgraded fire control software and network-enabled operations are embodied in the digital modernization roadmap to reduce response times and simplify coordination with allied forces. These ongoing investments mean that Canada would be acquiring a system with a proven combat pedigree today, while also positioning the nation to grow into new capabilities in the years ahead.
Carolyn Orzechowski, Vice President of Precision Fires Launchers & Missiles at Lockheed Martin, added: “HIMARS embodies what modern fires demand – reliability, accuracy and survivability… We’re aligning our operations with our customer’s need to build faster, integrate smarter and keep the force ready by scaling production, strengthening the supply chain and maintaining the highest standards of quality.”
The Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRLS), developed by Hanwha Aerospace, is Korea’s latest precision-guided munition system designed for versatility, mobility, and survivability. Chunmoo is developed to counter long-range artillery threats. The system is able to operate with different types of ammunition from the same launcher. The baseline vehicle chassis is modular and features ballistic and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection, run-flat tires, and advanced braking and tire inflation systems for excellent off-road performance.
The launcher has a combat weight of 31 tons and a crew complement of 3 for the launcher, and 2 for the ammunition carrier. The Chunmoo system utilizes a fully-digitalized Fire Control System automatically calculates Fire Direction Data for tactical employment to quickly move, shoot, and scoot.
The carrier vehicle has a 450 hp engine, a fully automatic transmission, a maximum speed of 80 km/h, and a cruising range of 450 km. It can load 2 PODs and offers precise launch coverage with azimuth ±194° and elevation 0–60°. The ammunition carrier supports 4 PODs with a maximum payload of 10 tons. The system is compatible with various rockets and missiles, including the CGR-080 (range: 30–80 km, CEP: 15 metres), CTM-160 (range: 50–160 km, CEP: 9 metres), and CTM-290 (range: 80–290 km, CEP: 9 metres), all guided by GPS/INS and equipped with high-explosive warheads. The Chunmoo MRLS is interoperable with C4I systems, has a short firing readiness sequence, and offers training rockets for operational preparation.
Marketing the Chunmoo to allied forces underscores Hanwha’s expanding role as a strategic partner for NATO and EU member states and other partner nations. A prime example is found in Poland, a NATO member which has ordered 290 Chunmoo launchers and the CGR-80 and CTM-290 guided missiles. This acquisition builds on a Joint Venture between Hanwha Aerospace and the WB Group, a Polish electronics and aeronautics manufacturer and one of Europe’s largest private defence contractors, for the local production of the Chunmoo multi-rocket launcher system guided missiles. Under the agreement, the two companies will consider local production of the 80 km-range guided missile (CGR-80) for “Homar-K,” the Polish variant of Chunmoo. The Homar-K program exemplifies Hanwha’s successful localization efforts in Poland, featuring extensive Polish defence industry participation. Under this program, Polish defence companies oversee the integration and assembly of the long-range rocket launcher system mounted on the Polish Jelcz 8×8 chassis. The Homar-K also incorporates the WB-developed Topaz combat management system and other Polish components and subsystems.
“The latest JV agreement with WB Group is a significant milestone for Hanwha’s continued expansion in the global defence market,” said Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defense. “It also represents Hanwha’s strong commitment to delivering technology edge and sovereign, domestic capacity to our global customers.”
READ: Hanwha Aerospace Signs $4 Billion Contract to Produce Chunmoo Missile in Poland
The Chunmoo MRLS could be a viable option for Canada’s Long-Range Precision Strike (Land) project due to its advanced precision-guided capabilities, modular design, and compatibility with a variety of munitions. Its extended range of up to 290 km, high accuracy with a CEP as low as 9 metres, and ability to integrate different types of rockets and missiles make it suitable for diverse operational requirements. Additionally, its mobility, survivability features, and interoperability with command and control systems aligns with the needs of modern military operations, and could provide Canada with another extremely capable option for long-range precision strike.
Elbit Systems offers cost-effective, precise rocket artillery systems designed for modern combat, ensuring effective fire support in all weather conditions. Their integrative platforms interface seamlessly with local and third-party products and C4I systems, ensuring efficient management of firing missions in all weather conditions.
Elbit’s Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) is a versatile artillery rocket system capable of firing various types of unguided rockets and advanced precision guided rockets and missiles ranging from a single position, with ranges up to 300 km. The company boasts advanced production facilities and a global reputation for innovative and reliable solutions.
The multi-purpose launcher features two PODS; each POD is designed for a specific rocket type, including the Accular 122 mm (35 km range), Accular 160 mm (40 km range), EXTRA (150 km range), and Predator Hawk (300 km range) — this range of high-precision rockets are designed for urban warfare, long-range strikes, and in-depth precision attacks. PULS is designed to maximize response with optimal firing flexibility, without the need for special modifications to the system. The system is adaptable to existing platforms, reducing maintenance and training costs, and can execute firing missions in less than one minute. The PULS is also able to carry and launch SkyStriker loitering munitions, which is a unique feature among MLRS systems.
The Light PULS variant is a lightweight airborne rocket launcher system tailored for Special Forces, offering mobility, accuracy, and responsiveness for operations in remote, high-risk locations. It can be deployed via C-130 aircraft and supports up to 8 Accular 122 mm rockets, ready to fire in under a minute. The Accular is a guided artillery rocket with high accuracy, effective in urban warfare. It features a unitary warhead for minimal collateral damage and is adaptable to various launchers.
The EuroPULS Rocket Launcher Artillery System is manufactured and marketed in Europe through a collaboration between Elbit Systems and KNDS Deutschland. It features an open-architecture, adaptable design that enables the integration of the Advanced Launcher Module onto a wide range of platforms. Additionally, it supports the integration of third-party munitions, allowing the system to fire rocket munitions produced by other OEMs.
The PULS is in service with a number of countries, with Israel being the largest customer. A handful of NATO countries like Denmark and the Netherlands are PULS operators, and Germany and Peru have recently announced selection of the PULS.
For the Netherlands, Elbit Systems will supply 20 PULS artillery rocket systems integrated on the COMMIT (previously DMO) selected truck platform, as well as rockets and missiles of various ranges and training and support services.
In Germany, Elbit Systems was awarded a contract in February 2025 to supply its PULS Rocket Launcher Artillery Systems to the German Armed Forces. Under the contract, Elbit Systems, in collaboration with KNDS Deutschland, will deliver rocket artillery systems, including the development of associated adaptations and the integration of German C4I equipment (such as command and weapons control systems).
“We are proud to have been selected, together with KNDS Deutschland, to deliver the Rocket Launcher Artillery System solution, which aims to set the foundation for the Bundeswehr’s Future Long-Range Indirect Fire System,” said Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit System Land. “This acquisition paves the way for future orders of the Euro-PULS configuration and highlights the strength of our European collaboration with KNDS Deutschland, reflecting our joint-commitment to delivering advanced, operationally proven, flexible, and cost-effective solutions that enhance the operational capabilities of our customers.”
The PULS could be a viable option for Canada’s Long-Range Precision Strike (Land) project due to its ability to fire multiple types of advanced rockets with ranges up to 300 km from a single platform, eliminating the need to reposition artillery units. Its adaptability to existing platforms would reduce costs associated with acquiring new vehicle systems, while its precision and responsiveness ensure effective strikes on high-priority targets in diverse battlefield conditions. Additionally, the system’s integration with C4I systems aligns with modern military requirements for networked operations, making it another candidate for Canada’s long-range precision strike requirement.
Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Senior Staff Writer
