 Poland signs deal for nearly 500 Himmars launchers to protect against a possible Russian attack. Warsaw has approved planes to obtain another 486 high mobility artillery rocket systems, Himmars launchers, which it hopes to begin producing domestically starting at the end of 2025 under a joint venture with US defence contractor Lockheed Martin Corporation. Our goal is to create a situation in which a strong Polish army will actually deter the aggressor and we will do it. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said in a statement announcing the Himmars order citing the perceived threat of Russian expansionism. As I have declared many times, within two years Poland will have the strongest land army and one of the most important components of this army will be rocket artillery, he added. Poland's latest Himmars order is scheduled for delivery starting at the end of 2025. Combined with a 2019 purchase of the US made artillery system, the latest deal will give it a total of 500 Himmars units. Lockheed Martin said it will work with the Polish industry on tailoring the Himmars' launcher loader module kits to be mounted on Polish-made JELTS 6X6 trucks. Polish contractors also expect to be licensed to produce Himmars ammunition. We're looking forward to jointly ensuring Poland and the entire region stay ahead of emerging security threats. Lockheed Martin Executive Paula Hartley said, the Ukraine conflict also has given Russian forces ample practice encountering the Himmars system. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry acknowledged in July that Russia had found ways to jam the GPS guidance system for the US-made rockets, reducing their effectiveness.