The article states that the Elbit option is open source (meaning greater weapon integration possibilities to mix from weapons from alt suppliers - HIMARs weapons can be used on these platforms).One of the other advantages to FMS purchases in addition to the training and support packages which are available, there is also quite likely to be ongoing development of the purchased kit for at least as long as it remains in US service. This can then create opportunities for a non-US purchaser to be able to add or upgrade capabilities without necessarily paying the full developmental and testing costs, as the R&D costs would be spread across a much larger user base.
I don’t know enough about the process to argue whether buying from Hanwha or Elbit would be any more complex than from LM but we managed with SPH. The Dutch and Poles don’t seem to have any great concern with any of these issues. The article states that the weapons for both Elbit and Hanwha are cheaper, longer ranged, have a broader range of capabilities and already more advanced than those for HIMARs and be delivered within a much shorter time frame. Importantly all IP is handed over with the systems. I don’t know how accurate that is about the initial purchase price of the Elbit system being one fifth of the cost of HIMARs (based on the Dutch press release) but that alone draws attention. And both of these systems can be deliverered 24-36months sooner.
My read was the only downside was that the Elbit would not fit in a C130 as it was a dual pod system on an 8x8 vehicle.
Putting that aside isn’t the DSR about faster/sooner/quicker and cheaper would be a bonus. Still scratch my head with how long these acquisitions take in the ADF. A second article suggest no announcement on Land 400 till after Christmas at best and probably order placed late 24.
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