October 9, 2024

Lockheed Martin secures USD 4.1 billion contract for GMLRS missiles

By Defence Industry Europe

The U.S. Army successfully demonstrated Lockheed Martin’s next-generation Extended-Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) against a target set at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. — Image: Lockheed Martin.

The U.S. Army's Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) and Army Contracting Command (ACC) at Redstone Arsenal have awarded a USD 4.1 billion contract to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. The contract covers the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, Extended-Range (ER) GMLRS missiles, and associated equipment.

This agreement is part of a three-year multiyear deal designed to stabilise and accelerate production capabilities for these weapon systems, which are essential for supporting the U.S. Army and its allies.

Lockheed Martin’s GMLRS munitions are a key component of the U.S. Army’s precision-strike capability, offering a reliable and flexible solution for a range of missions. The system provides a long-range, surface-to-surface attack option that is persistent, responsive, and deployable in all weather conditions. GMLRS rockets can be fired from both the MLRS M270 family of launchers and the HIMARS launchers.

To date, more than 60,000 GMLRS rockets have been produced, boasting a reliability rating exceeding 98 percent. The rockets are available in several variants:

GMLRS Unitary: This round integrates a 200-pound unitary warhead, delivering precision strike capability for point targets with a range exceeding 70 kilometres.

GMLRS Alternative Warhead (AW): Developed to comply with U.S. Department of Defense cluster munitions policy, the AW variant addresses area targets without creating unexploded ordnance, also reaching distances over 70 kilometres.

Extended-Range (ER) GMLRS: Currently in development, the ER GMLRS will extend the range to 150 kilometres, providing greater reach and manoeuvrability while maintaining compatibility with existing launch platforms.

Douglas Bush, the Army’s Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, stated that the contract underlines the Army’s commitment to enhancing production for these critical weapon systems. Major General Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer Missiles and Space, emphasised that multiyear contracts reduce costs through bulk purchasing and provide a stable demand forecast for suppliers.

These contracts are designed to ensure long-term supply chain reliability, reduce administrative costs, and promote innovation in production capabilities. The current agreement with Lockheed Martin marks a significant step toward maintaining a strong defence posture while adapting to evolving battlefield requirements.

This project will be led by PEO MS in collaboration with ACC-Redstone Arsenal, ensuring the continued advancement of precision-strike technology for the U.S. Army and its global partners.