Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, partners in the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) program, successfully conducted the first live fire of the GMARS launcher, demonstrating its capability to launch GMLRS rockets. These are the same munitions used by Germany and allied nations across the globe, reinforcing interoperability and supporting joint operations. The live fire demonstration, held at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, marked a significant milestone in the GMARS development program, which aims to provide military customers with a European-built highly mobile, survivable and versatile long-range precision fires capability. The launcher can be armed with an enhanced loadout of two ATACMS, 4 PrSM, 12 GMLRS Standard Range or 12 Extended Range GMLRS missiles.
“We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone in the GMARS program,” said Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe. “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.”
“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Paula Hartley, vice president and general manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “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.”
The GMARS launcher, based on the Rheinmetall HX vehicle series, offers a high degree of interoperability and interchangeability with fielded M270A2 and HIMARS launchers, making it an ideal solution for military forces operating in Europe. The GMARS program is a result of the partnership between Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, which combines their individual strengths to provide a European-centric launcher that maximizes combat-proven HIMARS and M270 components. GMARS offers the same ammunition capacity and firepower as M270 on the world’s leading tactical truck with the ability to integrate platforms and ammunition from allied nations. 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.
Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joined forces in 2023 to combine their individual strengths and developed a GMARS as a solution for the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. GMARS includes a 2-pod launcher capable of firing the MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM) to achieve long ranges and high precision. Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. With 50+ years of rocket artillery expertise and partnerships with 20+ countries, we’re providing transformative technologies and precision fires solutions to support global deterrence and 21st Century Security. Rheinmetall is Europe’s leading supplier of tactical wheeled and tracked vehicles and a reliable partner to armed forces around the world. With innovative and modern systems, Rheinmetall sets global standards in defense technology and creates the indispensable basis for peace and freedom.
