The Pentagon has provided Lockheed Martin with a $4.23 billion contract to continue GMLRS rocket production. The contract is scheduled to be completed by October 20, 2027.
According to information from the U.S. Department of Defense, this agreement modifies the original contract for the production of these rockets. The total cost of financing amounts to $13.265 billion.
Read more: U.S. Sells NASAMS Systems to Egypt Amid Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East
It should be noted that the exact number of rockets and the corresponding funding will be determined separately for each order. This is more of a framework agreement that ensures continued weapons production and further scaling.
To clarify, GMLRS is a 227 mm precision-guided munition compatible with the M270 (MARS II/LRU) and M142 HIMARS. They are highly accurate and have a range of up to 80 km.
Also, an alternative, extended-range variant called GMLRS-ER is currently in development that can hit targets at distances of up to 150 km and is compatible with current launchers. The complete opposite is the cheaper 120 mm DSFTs with a range of 30–40 km.
In terms of effectiveness, GMLRS has proven itself in Ukrainian service by successfully destroying armored vehicles, air defense assets, electronic warfare equipment, personnel, and other targets. Although they lose some accuracy due to russian countermeasures, they still achieve results.
At the same time, the U.S. produces 14,000 missiles per year, or 1,166 per month, or 38 per day. The numbers are impressive, considering just 10,000 were manufactured in 2023.
However, the production pace must increase further, as these volumes are insufficient for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and in the event of war, the U.S. will require far more.
Read more: Rheinmetall Criticizes Ukrainian Bureaucracy Over Delays in Ammunition Plant Project
