The company said the projectile is intended to maintain precision in GPS-degraded or denied environments. The Army is targeting Initial Operational Capability for the ERAP programme by fiscal year 2030.
General Atomics said the contract positions GA-EMS as a potential production source for advanced munitions. The company said these munitions would extend the reach of Army self-propelled howitzers.
“Our selection for the ERAP program reflects the strategic, sustained investments we have made to mature this critical technology and strengthen our manufacturing foundation,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “Over time we have expanded our production capacity, advanced our scaling innovations, and reinforced our readiness to design, qualify, produce, and deliver next generation munitions.”
“This award confirms that GA EMS is ready to deliver extended range, precision capabilities that give the warfighter unmatched standoff range and lethality,” Forney said. GA-EMS said it invested early to mature key technologies and reduce development risk before the ERAP award.
“Our projectile is engineered to provide extended range without rocket assist and remains compatible with legacy cannons and loaders,” said Michael Rucker, vice president of GA-EMS Weapons Programs. “Its features include deployable wings and advanced redundant guidance systems.”
“These capabilities provide agility and mission flexibility, supporting strike and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions,” Rucker said. The company said experience from other advanced projectile programmes helped position the system for rapid progress within the Army-led effort.
GA-EMS said it is continuing to invest in and expand advanced manufacturing infrastructure in Mississippi. Its Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo is designed to support surge capacity.
The facility incorporates automation, modular production processes and new materials to increase efficiency. General Atomics said these investments are intended to support production readiness for advanced munitions.
“General Atomics has always proven it can deliver the technology needed to keep our armed forces on the cutting edge,” said Sen. Roger Wicker. “American service members need the best tools to face today’s threats.”
“This is exactly the kind of investment that will equip them for that job,” Wicker said. “Thank you to the Army for saying yes to next-generations munitions and yes to Mississippi defense expertise.”
“This contract award strengthens our nation’s long-range precision fire capabilities while delivering real economic benefits to Mississippi,” Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said. “Investments like this grow high-skilled jobs, expand advance manufacturing capacity, and reinforce Mississippi’s critical role in equipping and supporting America’s warfighters.”
