Breaking News
US Army Awards $4.1 Billion Contract to Lockheed Martin for GMLRS Rocket Production.
The United States Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space (PEO MS) and Army Contracting Command (ACC) at Redstone Arsenal have awarded a $4.1 billion contract to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control for the production of rockets under the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). This contract includes the production of both standard GMLRS and Extended-Range (ER) GMLRS missiles, along with associated hardware.
The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System offers a long-range precision strike capability. (Picture source: US DoD)
Douglas Bush, the Army's Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, highlighted the strategic importance of this contract, stating, “This contract is part of a three-year multiyear commitment, demonstrating the Army’s dedication to accelerating the production of this essential weapon system, which supports U.S. and allied forces, including Ukraine.”
Major General Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer for Missiles and Space, elaborated on the benefits of multiyear contracts, explaining, “These contracts provide mutual benefits by reducing procurement costs through bulk purchasing and lowering administrative burdens. They also offer stability to suppliers, encouraging investments in production capacity.”
Multiyear procurement contracts are essential tools for the U.S. Department of Defense, allowing goods and services to be secured over several years, typically up to five. Unlike annual contracts, these agreements offer long-term stability for both the government and suppliers, facilitating better planning, resource allocation, and investment. GMLRS rockets, known for their precision surface-to-surface strike capability, remain highly sought after by U.S. and allied forces.
This initial contract aims to expand production capacity while promoting innovation, achieving economies of scale through bulk orders and ensuring supply chain stability.
The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) offers a long-range precision strike capability, designed to operate in all weather conditions. Its major advantage lies in its responsiveness and rapid deployment capability, providing persistent and immediate ground support. Fired from both the MLRS M270 family of launchers and HIMARS launchers, the GMLRS can deploy up to six rockets per launch pod. M270 launchers can carry two pods at once, while HIMARS launchers carry one, ensuring flexible power projection.
To date, over 60,000 GMLRS rockets have been produced, reflecting growing demand for this system, which is highly valued for its reliability, with a performance rating exceeding 98%. In parallel, an extended-range version, the ER GMLRS, is in development to further enhance the system's operational reach. With its proven precision and efficiency, the GMLRS serves as a strategic asset for the U.S. and allied forces, enabling surface-to-surface precision strikes with remarkable range, speed, and adaptability.
This contract, led by PEO MS and executed in collaboration with ACC-Redstone Arsenal, marks a significant step in bolstering the rocket production capabilities of the United States and its allies.