Lockheed Martin has delivered its 100,000th GMLRS rocket and is now producing nearly 14,000 a year, a rate reached ahead of schedule, according to the company.
The company also said General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has completed the first test of a new solid rocket motor for GMLRS. Qualification is planned for 2027 and would give a third domestic source for the component. The Camden, Arkansas site is hiring 50 per cent more staff to support faster production of GMLRS, PAC-3 MSE and PrSM.
Gaylia Campbell, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Tactical Missiles, said: “Today’s production milestones reinforce how Lockheed Martin is delivering with urgency, investing in our supply chain and ensuring American forces have what they need, before they need it, to defend here and around the world,” adding: “Our team is working tirelessly in close coordination with the Department of War and industry partners like General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems to meet the demand.”
Chris Haynes, senior vice president and general manager at GDOTS, said: “We are proud of our longstanding role supporting the GMLRS program and our contributions to this production milestone by delivering critical components, including warheads, rocket motor cases and launch pod containers.” He went on: “Additionally, the recent solid rocket motor test represents an important milestone in our collaboration with Lockheed Martin to expand solid rocket motor production capacity.
Together, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to expanding domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthening the defense industrial base and ensuring U.S. and allied forces have the capabilities they need.”
GMLRS is fired from the British Army’s M270 launchers, and the UK Defence Journal has reported that UK launcher deliveries and ammunition replenishment have begun and that the final batch of British MLRS launchers has been funded.
