The US has deployed M142 HIMARS missile launchers in South America for the first time

The United States Army deployed the M142 High Mobility Artillery Missile System (HIMARS) for the first time in the US Southern Command area of ​​operations as part of the Southern Fenix ​​​​24 (SF24) military exercise. This multinational exercise, held in Chile from August 27 to September 6, 2024, involved more than 600 military personnel from Chile, Argentina, and the United States, with the goal of strengthening interhemispheric cooperation and improving interoperability for future multi-domain operations.< /p>

Developed by Lockheed Martin, this advanced missile system has proven its effectiveness in recent military conflicts, including the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With a firing range of 70-84 km with the guided missile salvo missile system (GMLRS) and up to 300 km with the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), HIMARS offers long-range precision strike capabilities. Its mobility, accuracy and ability to quickly redeploy make it a valuable asset in modern combat operations.

1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment (1-14 FAR) — a unit of the US Army specializing in field artillery that provides long-range, high-precision fire support in combat operations. Nicknamed the Steel Warriors, 1-14 FAR is part of the 75th Field Artillery Brigade based at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The battalion is equipped with modern artillery systems, including the M142 highly mobile artillery rocket system (HIMARS), which allows for rapid deployment and high-precision strikes against point and local targets.

During SF24, US forces participated in artillery training with the Chilean military, deepening military ties and strengthening their ability to operate together in future joint missions. Soldiers from 1-14 US FAR enthusiastically demonstrated the capabilities of HIMARS while building relationships with their Chilean counterparts. Lt. Col. Anthony Allen, battalion commander of 1-14 FAR, emphasized the importance of these exercises, expressing optimism for the continuation of this cooperation. He noted that this operation is a key step in strengthening US-Chilean military interoperability, which is vital for future operations in many areas in the region.

The Southern Fenix ​​24 exercise not only highlights the tactical value of HIMARS, but also the strategic importance of cooperation between the US and South American militaries. As hemispheric security challenges evolve, the ability to deploy and train with advanced systems such as HIMARS enhances readiness and strengthens regional alliances.

The US military presence in South America reflects a broader US strategy to strengthen regional security, support operations on combating drugs and strengthening military partnership with allied countries. US military involvement in the region is primarily coordinated through US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees operations and cooperation in Central and South America and the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM's mission includes facilitating defense cooperation, promoting stability, and countering regional threats such as organized crime and natural disasters. The U.S. military frequently participates in joint training, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives with partner nations in the region to improve mutual readiness and strengthen ties.