Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has been awarded a contract, valued at up to $4.1bn, for the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets.
The undefinitised, multi-year procurement contract will involve the manufacture and delivery of extended-range (ER) GMLRS missiles and associated hardware.
A multi-year procurement contract is a strategic approach adopted by the US Department of Defense to secure goods or services over an extended period, often up to five years.
The contract represents an initial move to boost production, drive innovation, and capitalise on the economic benefits of bulk purchasing and sustained supply chain dependability.
US Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology assistant secretary Douglas Bush said: “The award is intended to be definitised as part of a three-year multiyear contract demonstrating the Army’s commitment to accelerating and stabilising production capability for this critical weapon system, which continues to support the US Army and Joint Force, along with Ukraine and other allies around the world.”
Led by US Army’s Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, the contract is executed in partnership with US Army’s contacting centre Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal.
The GMLRS is a critical asset, delivering precision strike capabilities to both the US and allied forces.
GMLRS is the primary round for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, the MLRS family of launchers.
Current GMLRS variants include the unitary round, the alternative warhead and ER GMLRS.
The ER GMLRS is designed to double the range of the current rocket from 70km to 150km while offering enhanced flexibility.
Lockheed Martin has produced over 70,000 GMLRS rounds, as per a release published in March 2024. These are manufactured at the company’s Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas in the US.
In the same month, the US Army successfully demonstrated the capacity of the Lockheed Martin-developed ER GMLRS against a target located at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
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