Long-range precision strike capabilities have proven to be essential tools to deter and respond to threats at a rapid pace. The U.S. Army and global partners are expanding their launcher fleets and increasing munition stockpiles. Lockheed Martin continues to ramp production to meet those needs and deliver 21^st Century Security solutions with integrated, interoperable and future-ready capability.

In Demand and Delivering

Recently, the U.S. Army awarded contracts worth up to $2.8 billion to include a FY24 production contract for HIMARS launchers and associated equipment as well as an Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) award to support future HIMARS awards for fiscal years 2025-2028.

HIMARS production capacity has increased from 48 to 60 per year and is on track to meet the 96 annual capacity by the end of 2024. To meet this demand, we have increased tooling and continue working with our supply chain to shorten manufacturing lead time.

In May, the U.S. Army also awarded a $451 million contract to modernize more M270 launchers with additional capabilities to ensure the system remains highly effective, reliable and interoperable with NATO and global forces for decades to come. Recapitalization upgrades systems with new engines, improved armored cabs and the new Common Fire Control System (CFCS) to provide compatibility with the MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM) including future munitions like Extended-Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).

Proven Capability

Lockheed Martin’s launcher systems have earned a reputation for outstanding combat reliability and continue to support allies in staying ahead of threats. More specifically, HIMARS and M270A2 meet requirements for capability, performance, range and interoperability with more than 20 coalition partners.

HIMARS continues to demonstrate unparalleled mobility and precision in theater and in recent joint partner military exercises across the globe to include Balikatan 24 in the Philippines, African Lion in Tunisia, BALTOPS 24 in the Baltics, Artic Edge in Alaska and training events under the umbrella of Steadfast Defender 24 – NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War – to include Immediate Response in Poland, Spring Storm in Estonia, Nordic Response in Norway, Swift Response 24 in Italy and in Lithuania. Strategic collaboration with coalition partners and NATO allies exemplifies the importance of partner integration and interoperability globally.

With more than 2 million operating hours, in the domestic fleets alone, Lockheed Martin’s launchers are combat-proven and critical deterrents.

Partnering to Provide 21^st Century Security^® Solutions

As part of Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security vision, we’re partnering to deliver country-specific launcher solutions to support all-domain deterrence. Examples include collaborations to produce launchers and components in Germany and Poland.

Lockheed Martin entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rheinmetall to collaborate on providing Germany with a rocket artillery system maximizing existing and combat proven components produced in Germany. The Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS), unveiled at Eurosatory 2024, is a wheeled artillery system based on HIMARS that would replace the MARS 2 multiple launch rocket system.

In a similar effort, we’ve also signed a Framework Agreement with Poland to develop and produce Homar-A Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) – a Polish rocket artillery system compatible with HIMARS and M270 using the same CFCS. The framework will allow for 486 Homar-A vehicles to be assembled in Poland with first deliveries starting in 2026. Tens of thousands of rocket ammunition missiles will also be produced to arm the systems.

Our partnerships maximize Industrial Participation, enhance self-reliance and support supply chain anti-fragility. Local governments and industry will benefit through supplier growth and economic impact. Lockheed Martin is committed to standing strong with our allies by providing 21st Century Security solutions that strengthen and align their defense capability and industrial base. We have long-standing partnerships demonstrating our commitment.

Lockheed Martin is the most capable solutions provider because we partner with local industry and government to innovate and develop next-gen technologies and munitions that are reliable and interoperable.

Sustainment Program Keeps Launchers Mission Ready

Our launchers’ longstanding reputation for dependability can, in part  be credited to Lockheed Martin’s full-spectrum sustainment program.

Lockheed Martin has a decades-long track record for exceptional launcher logistical support and maintenance with international and U.S. forces. The program synergizes maintenance sustainment and training through common munitions, replacement parts and in-country support.

Sustainment solutions are built into all launcher partnerships to ensure critical artillery systems remain operational, effective and current with next-gen technology and munitions. We also work with each partnership to build in support and customize a sustainment approach ensuring systems remain operationally ready when needed. 

A recent example includes the first European HIMARS Sustainment Center in Romania. We have partnered with Aerostar S.A. to inaugurate the facility, which will support operations for the Land Forces’ HIMARS fleet by carrying out in-country and providing high-value jobs in Romania.

Future – Through 2050 and beyond

Lockheed Martin continues to modernize and enhance launcher capability to help customers stay ahead of emerging threats as part of Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security vision.

Lockheed Martin’s current and next-generation munitions, including Extended-Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), can only be fired by M270A2, HIMARS and CFCS compatible launchers, such as the Homar-A and GMARS.

The Extended-Range GMLRS is our next-generation rocket that increases capability and flexibility of the current GMLRS – doubling the range to 150km, improving battlespace coverage and delivering the same responsiveness and accuracy commanders have come to expect.

PrSM is designed to neutralize and address threat air defense systems, missile launchers, command and control (C2) nodes, troop assembly/staging areas and high-payoff targets throughout the battlefield at ranges of more than 400 kilometers. Future increments with increased capability will provide even greater flexibility to partner nations. 

Coalition interoperability and commonality are key to deterring and defeating threats . Allies are stronger together, and commonality lends synergy to warfighting efforts. Our HIMARS and M270s are interoperable with coalition partners (and other assets) and will continue to be the leading edge systems to address emerging threats.

As the global threat environment evolves, Lockheed Martin’s  commitment to our global partners and their security needs is paramount, which is why we closely collaborate to continue meeting partners’ country-specific needs.