Phil Sayers
Very well known Exeweb poster
Apparently a further 18 HIMARS guided rocket artillery launchers are to be provided to Ukraine by the US. The 16 already provided (along with 11 of the similar but larger M270 MLRS that have been provided by ourselves and Germany) have changed the course of the war in that they have allowed precision deep strike against targets such as ammo depots, bridges and barracks. The Russians will not like the sound of another 18 being on the way as, as long as there is plenty of the expensive ammunition, this will free some up to provide tactical support at the end of a phone call. Russian platoon in a building with a commanding field of view? Just destroy the building with an explosive Mach 2.5 arrow - not been possible as yet because the systems have been so scarce they have been reserved for major targets but with this number they could start to use them in the way we use them; tactically as well as strategically.
The article suggest that the delivery could take a while because it is funding for Ukraine to buy their own from the manufacturer rather than the provision of existing US stock. However, I rather suspect that while that may be the case for other things on the list in the instance of HIMARS what will happen is that Ukraine receives them from the US Army and then the US Army receives the ones that are newly ordered from the manufacturer.
The article suggest that the delivery could take a while because it is funding for Ukraine to buy their own from the manufacturer rather than the provision of existing US stock. However, I rather suspect that while that may be the case for other things on the list in the instance of HIMARS what will happen is that Ukraine receives them from the US Army and then the US Army receives the ones that are newly ordered from the manufacturer.
US announces $1.1 billion more in military aid for Ukraine
The U.S. will provide an additional $1.1 billion in aid to Ukraine, with funding for about 18 more advanced rocket systems and other weapons to counter drones that Russia has been using against Ukrainian troops.
apnews.com