The U.S. Army has introduced a groundbreaking capability with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN).

This strategic initiative combines the precision of the HIMARS artillery with the A400M transport aircraft. This enhances rapid deployment capabilities and introducing a new level of operational agility.

A Landmark in Multinational Military Operations

This historic mission, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Army and NATO allies from Latvia, Belgium, and Luxembourg, marked the first-ever use of the A400M aircraft in a HIRAIN operation.

US Army NATO Mission 2
US Army and Nato commences its A400M HIRAIN Mission. (U.S. Army)

Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade successfully transported a HIMARS launcher and support vehicles from Ramstein Air Base in Germany to Lielvarde Air Base in Latvia.

Upon arrival, the team moved to the Adazi Training Area, where they executed a live-fire exercise, launching three rockets before swiftly returning to base and then back to Germany. This operation not only tested the A400M’s capacity to handle HIRAIN missions but also validated new tactics and procedures in a real-world setting.

Enhancing NATO’s Rapid Response Capabilities

The operation was spearheaded by the 20th Squadron Tactical Airlift, 15th Wing Air Transport, based in Melsbroek, Belgium.

As the unit transitions from the C-130H to the A400M, Major Nicholas Dhont highlighted the successful integration of the new aircraft into their operations. The A400M’s capabilities were put to the test, proving its effectiveness in enhancing the mobility and lethality of NATO’s artillery assets.

Captain Ben Kauffman of Luxembourg, the aircraft commander for the mission, focused on the tactical aspects of air-land operations. His leadership ensured that the mission met both operational and tactical objectives, demonstrating the A400M’s potential to support complex, coordinated activities across NATO forces.

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