Lockheed Martin Moves ER GMLRS Toward Production After Soldier-Led Tests
· TexaHub · Defence & Security
Lockheed Martin said its Extended-Range GMLRS rocket is advancing toward production and fielding after two soldier-led operational tests. The rocket reaches about 150 kilometres, roughly double the baseline round.
Testing and approval
Lockheed Martin said on October 19 that ER GMLRS completed operational testing with soldiers in September and October, firing multiple rockets in succession from an M270A2 launcher at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The Alternative Warhead and Unitary Warhead variants were both tested. [1]
The company said the Army approved Milestone C, which signals readiness for production and deployment. Trade summaries noted that no Army production-decision documentation has been published, so the approval rests on the company's statement. [1][2]
Range and compatibility
The rocket extends reach to about 150 kilometres, against about 70 kilometres for the baseline round, and works with HIMARS and M270 launchers. Sabrina Barnes, vice president of Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets, said its value is not only the additional range but the added capability within an existing architecture. [1][2]
Industrial base moves
On October 14 Lockheed and Avio agreed to qualify solid rocket motors for ER GMLRS and the Precision Strike Missile at a new Avio USA plant in Hurt, Virginia. [2][3]
On October 12 L3Harris announced a $250 million follow-on from Lockheed for standard-range GMLRS propulsion units, the largest quantity in the programme's history, to be built at a new plant in Camden, Arkansas. [2]
Sources
[1] ER GMLRS Advances Toward Operational Fielding and Expanded Production — Lockheed Martin
[2] Defense Tech Intelligence Brief - October 20, 2026 — EDS News
[3] Avio, Lockheed sign agreement for solid rocket motor production — Breaking Defense