Lockheed Martin has received a $4.79 billion contract from the US Army to manufacture two Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) configurations.
The agreement will allow the army to replenish stockpiles diminished by supplying weapons to Ukraine and other allies.
The contract will cover the full-rate production of GMLRS lots 18 and 19 in the unitary and alternative warhead variants.
It also includes the delivery of associated parts and equipment.
“We’re seeing an increase in demand for this versatile rocket because GMLRS provides strategic advantage, unmatched accuracy, and it’s cost-effective,” Lockheed Martin vice president Jay Price said. “It’s the right round for many missions.”
Work will be carried out at company facilities in Arkansas, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida. It is expected to be complete by October 2026.
The GMLRS
Lockheed Martin’s GMLRS is an all-weather rocket system capable of delivering precision strikes farther than many conventional weapons.
It is rapidly deployable, making it suitable for supporting joint early and forced entry expeditionary operations.
The rocket can be fired from both the MLRS M270 family of launchers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
Its main features are the GPS-aided inertial guidance package and small maneuvering canards on the nose for improved maneuverability and strike accuracy.
The GMLRS has a unitary and alternative warhead for targets up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) away and an extended range warhead for distances exceeding 150 kilometers (93 miles).
Ramping Up Production
According to the company, the need for a versatile and flexible option for security and deterrence has increased as threats become more sophisticated.
The need for strike capability from farther distances has become more crucial than ever.
Last year, the US Army awarded GMLRS contracts worth $520.8 million to support Ukraine and replenish inventory.
The sudden increase in demand has caused Lockheed Martin to ramp up production from 6,000 rockets to 10,000 per year.
The company is also exploring options to increase the capacity to 14,000 rockets annually.
