HIMARS: What is the high-tech rocket system the US is sending to Ukraine? [Video]

The truck-mounted high-tech rocket systems the United States has sent to Ukraine have been attracting attention on social media, where many videos show them purportedly destroying Russian ammunition depots and other targets.

In June, the US announced a 13th military equipment package to Ukraine including four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), doubling the number already on the battlefield. 

The systems are mounted on trucks, which carry a container with six precision-guided rockets that can travel about 70 kilometres. The HIMARS enable Ukraine to strike Russian forces and weapons from further away, making it less risky for Ukrainian troops.

Ukraine has been heavily reliant on weapons and equipment sent from its allies in its defence against Russia’s military forces. 

But allies such as the US have been careful to try to strike a balance between providing the country with the equipment it needs while avoiding escalating the conflict outside of …