US-Germany jointly develop new generation of rockets/missiles launcher GMARS with 400 km range.

German Company Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin from United States have taken a significant step forward in the field of long-range precision fires with the presentation of their latest joint development, the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS). At a recent international summit hosted in Europe, the two defense giants showcased the advanced capabilities of the new two-pod launcher system to a select audience from 14 nations, comprising military leaders, defense professionals, and industry experts.
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The Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS), jointly developed by German Company Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin from United States, displayed on the Rheinmetall HX truck chassis, showcasing its dual-pod launcher capable of firing MLRS munitions with ranges exceeding 400 km. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

The summit provided an in-depth look at the GMARS (Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System) rockets/missiles launcher, a next-generation artillery platform designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. Central to the event were technical briefings, live system overviews, and strategic discussions, all highlighting GMARS' ability to deliver scalable, interoperable, and highly mobile precision fires.

Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the critical need for integrated, long-range fires in current and future combat scenarios. His remarks underscored how systems like GMARS can offer transformative battlefield advantages through enhanced reach, speed, and operational flexibility.

The GMARS launcher is built on the highly mobile Rheinmetall HX3 tactical truck chassis, offering exceptional off-road capability, high survivability, and operational versatility. As a dual-pod system, GMARS is compatible with a wide range of munitions, including Lockheed Martin’s suite of precision-guided rockets and missiles. This enables forces to conduct accurate strikes against high-value targets at extended ranges, aligning with NATO's broader strategy for layered fires.

With interoperability at the forefront, GMARS has been engineered to integrate seamlessly with existing NATO systems, such as the M270 MLRS and HIMARS platforms. This ensures a cohesive and scalable approach to long-range precision engagements across allied forces.

To further validate GMARS’ operational readiness and appeal to potential users, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin announced a live firing demonstration scheduled for summer 2025. This event will offer participating nations a firsthand look at the system’s capabilities in a live-fire scenario, further supporting procurement and evaluation processes.

As the program continues to gain momentum, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin officially presented the GMARS system for the first time during the Eurosatory 2024 defense exhibition, held in Paris, France, in June 2024. This marked its premiere at one of the world’s largest and most influential defense industry events, underscoring GMARS' rising prominence in the global artillery market and highlighting its strategic relevance for modern armed forces.

GMARS is designed as a highly mobile, all-weather, 24/7-capable missile artillery system, mounted on the proven HX tactical truck platform. The system features a two-pod multiple rocket launcher with an integrated fire control system and supports “shoot-and-scoot” operations, allowing for rapid repositioning after launch to avoid counter-battery fire. The launcher can fire the full MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM), making it fully compatible with Lockheed Martin’s existing MLRS missile inventory in service with NATO forces.

The GMARS’ guidance system includes inertial and GPS-supported navigation, enabling precision strikes at both short and extended ranges. Depending on the ammunition used, it can already reach targets beyond 400 kilometers, with further range enhancements anticipated as missile development progresses.

With a combat weight of under 40 tonnes, the GMARS launcher is mounted on the Rheinmetall HX tactical truck, known for its durability and mobility in all terrains. The vehicle can reach road speeds of up to 100 km/h and has a driving range of approximately 700 kilometers, allowing it to be rapidly deployed over long distances without the need for transporters. Thanks to its compact dimensions—2.5 meters wide, 3.9 meters high, and 9.8 meters long—the GMARS platform is fully road-legal and compatible with standard rail transport systems, ensuring easy movement across different operational theaters. Importantly, the launcher can fire without the need for additional stabilization supports, further enhancing its “shoot-and-scoot” capability by enabling fast firing and repositioning to avoid counter-battery threats.

Another standout feature is the integrated crane system within the launcher, which allows for rapid and safe reloading operations at any time of day or night, and in any weather condition. The vehicle is crewed by two soldiers, with an optional protected cabin space for a third. High component commonality with existing M270, HIMARS, and Rheinmetall HX platforms simplifies training and logistics, enhancing overall system sustainability and NATO interoperability.

Dr. Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, emphasized the significance of this development by noting the strategic advantages GMARS offers in long-range precision fire missions. Paula Hartley, Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, mission-ready solutions that meet the dynamic requirements of modern armed forces.

As the geopolitical landscape in Europe and beyond continues to evolve, GMARS represents a pivotal advancement in coalition firepower and mobility. Its introduction comes at a time when NATO countries are reinforcing their deterrence capabilities with modern, interoperable systems capable of rapid deployment and precision engagement. The unveiling of GMARS at the Rheinmetall-Lockheed Martin summit—and its debut at Eurosatory 2024—signals a new era in mobile rocket artillery systems. With its impressive mobility, broad munitions compatibility, and NATO-standard integration, GMARS is poised to become a cornerstone capability in allied long-range strike operations.