iscover
Defence primes Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin have successfully conducted the first live-fire of a Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System launcher using GMLRS rockets in a new capability milestone.
The live-fire demonstration, held at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, is considered a significant milestone in the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) development program, in attempts to produce European-built, highly mobile, survivable and versatile long-range precision fires capability.
The launcher can now reportedly be armed with an enhanced loadout of two Army Tactical Missile System, 4 Precision Strike Missiles, 12 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Standard Range or 12 Extended Range GMLRS missiles.
Under the GMARS program, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin are committed to providing a European-centric launcher that maximises combat-proven High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 components.
Under the program, the munitions would be available for use by Germany and other allied nations to reinforce interoperability and support joint operations.
“We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone in the GMARS program,” Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe chief executive officer Dr Björn Bernhard said.
“The successful live-fire showcases the system’s precision and reliability, and we are confident that GMARS will meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The GMARS launcher, based on the Rheinmetall HX vehicle series, will reportedly offer interoperability and interchangeability with fielded M270A2 and HIMARS launchers in use by military forces operating in Europe.
The system’s ability to launch current and future state-of-the-art long-range and extended-long-range rocket fire missions provides a significant advantage on the modern battlefield.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Paula Hartley, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Tactical Missiles.
“The GMARS program is a prime example of this commitment and we are pleased to have successfully demonstrated its capability in this live-fire exercise. With this milestone accomplished, we are poised to rapidly qualify and bring this capability to market.”
GMARS offers ammunition capacity and firepower mounted on a tactical truck with the ability to integrate platforms and ammunition from allied nations.
