US to deploy HIMARS for 2016 'Balikatan' exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21): US to deploy HIMARS for 2016 'Balikatan' exercises

For the first time in "Balikatan' history, the US military will be deploying its HIMARS mobile artillery platform for the live-fire phase of the exercise.

HIMARS stands for "M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System". It is US light multiple rocket launcher mounted on a standard Army medium tactical vehicle truck frame.

This was confirmed by Capt. Celeste Frank Sayson, "Balikatan 2016" spokesperson, said HIMARS will be deployed during the scheduled live-fire exercise in Crow Valley, Tarlac.

HIMARS will demonstrate to Filipino troops its capability to engage ground, air, and sea targets. It has maximum range of 300 kilometers.

US field testing of the platform began in 1998 and actual deployment in 2005.

HIMARS can carry six rockets or one MGM-140 ATACMS missile on the US Army's new family of medium tactical vehicles five-ton truck, and can launch the entire multiple launch rocket system family of munitions.

It is interchangeable with the MLRS M270A1, carrying half the rocket load. The launcher is C-130 transportable.

He did not give the exact number of HIMARS platforms present in this year's exercise but said another will be conducting "simulated firing" in the programmed maritime interdiction exercise off eastern Palawan.

Sayson defined maritime interdiction as military efforts to deal with pirates and other vessels not clear or without permission to enter Philippine territorial waters.

"Balikatan 2016" is scheduled from April 4-15.

An estimated 3,773 Filipino soldiers and 4,904 US troops will take part in the two-week military maneuvers which is now on its 32nd iteration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=868722