US Marines perform HIMARS Training Exercise in Florida 10052022 CREDIT US Dept of Def — A library image of US Marines performing HIMARS training in Florida (Picture: US Department of Defense).

Ukraine

UK, US and Germany to send rocket systems to Ukraine

The United Kingdom, United States and Germany are to provide Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) with Guided MLRS (GMLRS) rockets to Ukraine.

In a joint statement, the three countries said they are "deeply committed" to supporting Ukraine following Russia's "unprovoked invasion".

The rocket systems have been specifically requested by Ukraine, with the intention to enable their armed forces to engage with accurate fire at ranges of approximately 70km.

Watch: Can these rockets make a difference in Ukraine?

The rocket systems announcement comes only days after the US said it would provide four M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and GMLRS munitions.

On 6 June, the UK also announced it would donate three M270 MLRS launchers with GMLRS munitions to Ukraine.

German Minister of Defence Christine Lambrecht announced at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels that Germany will transfer three Mittleres Artillerie Raketen System (MARS) launchers and GMLRS ammunition from Bundeswehr stocks.

Watch: What is HIMARS?

"The transfer of these MLRS systems, and the associated training our three countries will provide to Ukrainian operators is crucial to Ukraine’s self-defense," the statement read.

Training on the US HIMARS and the British M270 systems has already commenced, with training on the German MARS launchers will begin "very soon".