Lockheed Martin developing extended-range rockets for HIMARS, doubling missile range

The US military's precision strike capabilities are set to receive a significant boost as Lockheed Martin develops a new generation of rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The company is working on an Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS), which promises to double the operational range of current GMLRS missiles.

A key advantage of the ER GMLRS is its compatibility with existing HIMARS launchers. This means the US Army can enhance its deep strike capabilities without needing to invest in entirely new launch platforms. Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet revealed the development during a recent earnings call, noting that a $3 billion contract with the US Army will support both the ongoing production of existing GMLRS missiles and the introduction of the new, longer-range variant.

While Taiclet did not disclose specific details such as the maximum range, production numbers, or delivery timelines for the ER GMLRS, the development is part of Lockheed Martin's broader effort to expand its missile production capacity. The company is also working on other significant projects, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).

Lockheed Martin's Chief Financial Officer, Evan Scott, stated that rapidly increasing ammunition production is a top capital investment priority. The company is reportedly increasing production of PAC-3 MSE air defense missiles by threefold and THAAD by fourfold. Taiclet indicated that the US government is providing greater flexibility than traditional procurement methods to help defense contractors scale up production, with a clear directive for speed. The $3 billion GMLRS contract will serve as a crucial framework for bringing the ER GMLRS into mass production, further extending the reach of US precision firepower.

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The Army's $3 billion GMLRS production contract covers the current version and a "newly developed successor model" that can be fired from the same launcher but will have double the range.