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Lockheed Martin Increases Production of Key Weapon Systems to Address Emerging Deterrence Needs.
As global deterrence demands continue to evolve, Lockheed Martin is ramping up the production of critical defense systems to ensure international security and stability. Amid rising tensions and the urgent need for rapid-response capabilities, the defense giant has increased production rates on key equipment, including the Javelin, HIMARS, GMLRS, and PAC-3 MSE, across its U.S.-based facilities. This expanded output aims to support swift and effective responses to potential crises while bolstering the resilience and durability of the defense industrial base.
To reach a production capacity of 3,960 Javelins per year by late 2026, Lockheed Martin must ensure sufficient test stations are in place on the production floor. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, emphasized the significance of this proactive approach: “By integrating advanced processes and tools into our production lines, we are ensuring the delivery of essential capabilities against emerging threats across all domains.” This vision aligns with Lockheed Martin's 21st Century Security strategy, which includes supply chain diversification, anti-fragility measures, and reduced compliance burdens for small and medium-sized businesses.
Through extensive digital transformation, Lockheed Martin has launched the 1LMX program, its largest internal initiative to date, focused on reengineering processes to drive efficiency and production optimization. This includes implementing robotics, factory simulations, and long-lead procurement investments to cut missile production times, increase production capacity, and sustain manufacturing excellence.
Javelin, a premier shoulder-fired anti-armor system, is experiencing an unprecedented production scale-up. Used by the U.S. Army and over 25 allied nations, Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) and Javelin Project Office, is working to accelerate deliveries. To reach an annual production target of 3,960 units by the end of 2026, the company is installing new testing stations at its Pike County, Alabama, and Ocala, Florida facilities.
These stations, essential for quality verification during final assembly, are designed to increase production line efficiency through real-time automation and performance monitoring capabilities. Simultaneously, Lockheed Martin is expanding supplier capacity to support this production increase, with the goal of achieving full production capability by 2026.
Lockheed Martin is enhancing HIMARS capabilities to ensure extended range and interoperability with more than 20 coalition partners (Picture source: Lockheed Martin )
In the air defense sector, Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) provides advanced protection against ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles, as well as aircraft. Responding to rising global demand, Lockheed Martin is expanding PAC-3 MSE production capacity to deliver 650 units annually, working closely with suppliers to ensure subcomponent production meets this increased output. New testing tools and equipment are being deployed to maintain agile production.
An 85,000-square-foot facility expansion in Camden, Arkansas, completed in 2022, has already bolstered production, and the PAC-3 team expects to reach a record production rate of over 500 units in 2024, underscoring Lockheed Martin's commitment to supporting its partners in addressing evolving threats.
Long-range precision strike capabilities, embodied by the HIMARS system, remain crucial for deterring and responding rapidly to threats. HIMARS production has grown from 48 to 60 units annually, with the target of reaching 96 units per year by the end of 2024.
This increase is made possible through expanded tooling and close collaboration with suppliers to reduce manufacturing lead times. Earlier this year, the U.S. Army awarded contracts valued up to $2.8 billion for additional launchers and associated equipment, providing ongoing support for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. Lockheed Martin continues to upgrade HIMARS capabilities, ensuring range and interoperability with over 20 coalition partners.
Lockheed Martin is collaborating with suppliers to increase subcomponent production, ensuring the PAC-3 supply chain can support an annual rate of 650 PAC-3 MSEs (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
GMLRS, another precision fires system, has supported defense efforts for over 40 years and continues to meet complex threats with 21st-century security solutions. Production of these rockets has been increased, and the 75,000th unit was recently delivered to the U.S. Army under contracts valued up to $4.8 billion.
GMLRS comes in two variants: the unitary warhead for precise targets, and the Alternative Warhead (AW), designed for area targets without leaving unexploded ordnance. The extended-range version, ER GMLRS, doubles the current range from 70 km to 150 km, providing greater operational flexibility. Lockheed Martin aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 14,000 units by 2025, addressing rising demand for this strategic, accurate, and cost-effective rocket.
Lockheed Martin's expanded production of Javelin, PAC-3 MSE, HIMARS, and GMLRS underscores its commitment to providing robust deterrent solutions for the future. Through strengthened supplier partnerships, digital transformation investments, and the integration of innovative technologies, the company meets growing global security challenges with proven, scalable capabilities.