The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.12 billion contract for the delivery of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets.
The contract calls for the production of more than 9,000 GMLRS unitary and alternative-warhead (AW) rockets, more than 2,000 low-cost reduced-range practice rockets (RRPRs) and integrated logistics support for the US Army, US Marine Corps and international customers.
Alternative warhead (AW) variants of GMLRS are used for area targets, while the unitary variant with a single 200-pound-class high-explosive charge is used for point targets with low collateral damage.
According to the Pentagon contract announcement from March 26, deliveries under the contract are to be completed by September 2023.
“GMLRS remains in high demand because it’s the right round for multiple types of missions. Our focus remains on producing the combat-proven, cost-effective GMLRS to meet our customers’ needs,” said Gaylia Campbell, vice president of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Recently, Lockheed Martin delivered the 50,000th GMLRS to the US Army customer.
GMLRS is an all-weather rocket designed for fast deployment that delivers precision strike beyond the reach of most conventional weapons. The munition is the primary round for the HIMARS and MLRS family of launchers and features a Global Positioning System (GPS) aided inertial guidance package and small maneuvering canards on the rocket nose, which add maneuverability to enhance the accuracy of the system.
Lockheed Martin is also developing the Extended Range (ER) GMLRS that will provide the same accuracy and reliability the munition is known for while significantly extending the range – reaching 150 kilometers.
