The Arctic is stress-testing US Marines and their HIMARS in the most brutal conditions
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The Arctic is stress-testing US Marines and their HIMARS in the most brutal conditions
"There's almost no way to replicate the elements, the environment, and test the equipment the way in which we're able to do it here. North Carolina can't mirror the conditions in Norway, Sweden, and Finland above the Arctic Circle, making on-site Arctic training essential for Marines preparing for potential frozen battlefield operations."
"Long-range precision fires like the HIMARS, or M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, have proven their worth in multiple conflicts, including Ukraine, used by Kyiv to hit key Russian targets well behind the front lines, especially in the early stages of Moscow's full-scale invasion."
"NATO allies have taken note of the HIMARS' successes in Ukraine. Estonia said in 2025 that it planned to buy more systems after it received several earlier in the year; more recently, the US State Department approved the sale of 20 to Sweden."
US Marines traveled to northern Norway above the Arctic Circle to train with HIMARS rocket artillery launchers in authentic Arctic conditions. The training involves firing precision-guided systems across snow-covered terrain, with teams launching multiple rockets in rapid succession. Arctic defense has become increasingly critical for NATO as geopolitical tensions rise. Training in actual Arctic environments proves essential because North Carolina's Camp Lejeune cannot replicate the extreme weather, terrain, and environmental challenges of the High North. HIMARS systems have demonstrated significant effectiveness in recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where they successfully targeted Russian positions. NATO allies including Estonia and Sweden have increased their HIMARS acquisitions following these proven successes.
Read at Business Insider
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