Lockheed Martin completes ER GMLRS guided rocket tests for future US Army deployment.

On December 14, 2023, Lockheed Martin announced that the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) has completed a series of Systems Qualification Tests (SQTs) spanning two years. These tests have verified the system's range and precision capabilities, marking significant progress towards its potential deployment by the US Army as it approaches the final stages of development.
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The ER GMLRS rocket is compatible with both the M142 HIMARS and the MLRS M270 family of launchers. (Picture source: US DoD)

The ER GMLRS, an advancement over its predecessor, the GMLRS rocket, has extended its range from over 70 kilometers to 150 kilometers while maintaining its reliability and precision. This versatile system is compatible with both the M142 HIMARS and the MLRS M270 family of launchers, providing capabilities to engage both short-range and long-range targets.

Recent flight tests at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico confirmed the ER GMLRS's capabilities in firing both Alternative and Unitary Warhead variants of the rocket. These tests subjected the system to various distances, ranging from short and mid-range flights to maximum-range scenarios.

Each test served to validate the system's integration with the HIMARS launcher, as well as its range, trajectory, and accuracy. Before launch, the rocket pods underwent Stockpile to Target Sequence (STS) testing, simulating the cumulative effects that the ER GMLRS will encounter in the field, ensuring its durability throughout its operational lifespan.

Lockheed Martin has already produced over 60,000 GMLRS rounds and holds an annual contract to sustain the production of GMLRS unitary and alternative-warhead rockets. This includes integrated logistics support for the US Army, US Marine Corps, and international customers. Countries such as Finland, Australia, Estonia, and Lithuania have acquired ER GMLRS pods along with HIMARS launchers. Once the ER GMLRS enters production, it will be manufactured at Lockheed Martin's Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas.

The extended range and precision capabilities of the ER GMLRS rocket represent a significant advancement in long-range surface-to-surface precision-strike capability. Its compatibility with both the MLRS M270 family of launchers and the HIMARS launchers makes it a valuable addition to the arsenal of defense systems.

The Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) is a surface-to-surface rocket system developed by Lockheed Martin. It is part of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) family of munitions and is designed to provide extended range and precision for targeting various types of threats.

One of its notable features is its extended range, with the ability to reach targets up to 150 kilometers (approximately 93 miles) away. This extended reach allows military forces to engage targets in distant locations. ER GMLRS is compatible with both the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the M270 MLRS launchers, making it versatile and adaptable to existing artillery systems.

The ER GMLRS rocket also introduces a Height of Burst (HOB) capability, allowing precise control over the altitude at which the warhead detonates. This feature is valuable in scenarios where minimizing collateral damage or targeting specific types of threats is essential. Additionally, the system is equipped with advanced guidance technology, including a global positioning system (GPS)-aided inertial guidance package and small maneuvering canards on the rocket's nose, enhancing its accuracy and precision, with a proven reliability track record exceeding 98 percent. Its enlarged motor and tail-driven control mechanisms contribute to improved maneuverability during flight.