The ER GMLRS, with a caliber of 227 mm, has been under development for several years, aiming to achieve a maximum range of at least 150 km, a notable increase from the current 85 km range of the GMLRS missile. This ambitious project has now transitioned from the developmental phase to full-scale production, marking a significant milestone for Lockheed Martin and the U.S. military.
The first production batch, consisting of 240 missiles, has been ordered at a cost of $200 million. As production ramps up, further contracts are expected, with the unit cost anticipated to decrease as manufacturing processes are refined and supply chains become more established. Given that the assembly occurs largely on the same lines that produced the “classic” GMLRS, it is projected that the new ER GMLRS will soon constitute a substantial portion of the 14,000 rockets Lockheed Martin plans to produce annually.
Similar to its predecessor, the GMLRS, the ER GMLRS in its basic variant is guided by both satellite navigation (GPS) and inertial navigation systems (INS). However, enhancements are already underway to expand the capabilities of the ER GMLRS. This includes developing the ability to engage moving targets through the integration of the RIG-360 data link. These improvements are expected to significantly augment the operational potential of these missiles.
The introduction of the ER GMLRS is poised to significantly bolster the capabilities of units equipped with the M142 HIMARS and M270A2 MLRS launchers. Previously, striking targets at extended ranges required the use of MGM-140 ATACMS tactical missiles, which can only be launched one at a time per container, or the newly introduced PrSM, which accommodates two per container. The ER GMLRS offers a more efficient solution, with enhanced range and payload capacity.