HIMARS is a hit, albeit with a hiccup in Latvia

As previously reported by LSM, two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) were deployed, one in Rīga and one in Liepāja to display their mobility and flexibility as part of ongoing military drills.

However, LTV reported that a planned training firing of the HIMARS system which was scheduled for Monday at the training range near Liepāja was postponed. It was supposed to shoot at a target in the Baltic Sea at a distance of about 7 kilometers from the coast but several hiccups including late arrival meant that by the time all was ready the alloted firing window was past and the required airspace was no longer free. 

But the drills continue Tuesday, so there is a chance a rocket launch may take place then to please the waiting cameras.

Nevertheless, the mere presence of HIMARS on Latvian soil has garnered considerable appreciation online, particularly taking into account the star status it has achieved on the side of Ukraine as it defends itself against a Russian invasion. 

Since Latvia plans to purchase such systems for itself very soon, even a non-launch training exercise will provide useful experience for the future.