General News
20 May, 2026
From sea to shore
THE Australian Army has reached another milestone in its long-range strike capability, successfully deploying its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from sea to shore from HMAS Choules at Cowley Beach.
After already surpassing expectations during earlier trials – firing multiple missile types ahead of schedule and achieving record distances for the Army – focus has now shifted to how rapidly and effectively HIMARS can be deployed across Australia’s vast northern approaches.
The platform has already been certified for transport on Royal Australian Air Force C-130 and C-17 aircraft, as well as aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs).
Exercise Black Cutlass puts its maritime mobility to the test, demonstrating how the platform can be projected directly from ship to land.
HIMARS launchers, resupply vehicles, munition pods, and support trailers were successfully transferred between HMAS Choules and the Cowley Beach Training Area using landing craft and floating pontoons called Mexeflotes.
The result: Australian HIMARS can now be deployed across all major ADF air and maritime lift platforms, significantly boosting the joint force’s flexibility and responsiveness. Future efforts will focus on integrating the system with the Army’s upcoming littoral manoeuvre vessels.
Commander of the 10th Fires Brigade, Brigadier Corey Shillabeer, described the activity as a critical step forward.
“When we introduce a new platform, it’s essential that we test it thoroughly,” Brigadier Shillabeer said.
“Developing safe, efficient deployment procedures is vital to ensuring Army’s long-range fires capability can be used effectively.”
He emphasised that while firing HIMARS is a key capability, mobility is just as important.
“Being able to deploy and manoeuvre across Australia and beyond is crucial to defending our northern approaches,” he said.
The introduction into service is being driven by the 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, working closely with project teams and international partners, such as the US.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Barletta praised his soldiers for their performance during the rollout.
“For such a young team, they’ve taken on the challenge of rapidly introducing this new capability with professionalism and dedication,” Lieutenant Colonel Barletta said.
“With continued support and the arrival of additional platforms from the United States, this capability will only continue to grow,” he said.
Read More: Cowley