155mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer

The Artillery Weapons System line item (LI 2212) in the FY 2026 Navy budget request supports the modernization and sustainment of expeditionary long-range precision fires capabilities for the Marine Corps, in alignment with the National Defense Strategy and the Commandant's Planning Guidance. This program is managed under the Navy and Marine Corps and is a critical element of force design, focusing on enhancing lethality, mobility, and integration with naval expeditionary operations. The line item funds the procurement of launchers, carriers, missiles, training equipment, and associated support systems.

The Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) is the Marine Corps' first Ground Based Anti-Ship Missile (GBASM) capability and a central modernization priority. The FY 2026 request reflects the initiation of Block II NMESIS Launcher and Carrier production, procurement of equipment sets, and initial spares. NMESIS consists of two Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and a launcher/weapon control system integrated onto a teleoperated ROGUE-Fires carrier. The system is designed to provide ground-based anti-access/area denial and anti-ship capabilities, supporting sea denial and control operations. Funding also supports contractor logistics for fielded batteries, procurement of training rounds, telemetry missiles for fleet exercises, and Block I Production Qualification Testing.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is employed by 10 active and reserve artillery batteries and provides C-130 transportable, wheeled, indirect fire rocket/missile launch capabilities. The FY 2026 request supports the initial procurement of the Common Fire Control System (CFCS), which enhances launcher control, weapon control, and power switching for operators. Funding also continues the procurement of Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPRs) to maintain training inventory levels, meeting annual certification and pre-deployment requirements. HIMARS modernization efforts are focused on improving operational capabilities and enabling the system to fire the Army-developed Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which complements NMESIS by engaging moving land and maritime targets.

Long-Range Fires (LRF) was a program intended to provide Combatant Commanders with a mobile, land-based Tomahawk cruise missile launch capability. The system consisted of a ROGUE-Fires carrier integrated with a MK-41 vertical launch system and Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System. However, the Marine Corps determined that LRF could not be effectively employed in austere, expeditionary, littoral environments and decided to terminate the program. The FY 2026 budget reflects this termination, with resources reallocated to NMESIS Block II procurement and a reduction for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiency in accordance with Executive Order 14222.

Specific procurement objectives for FY 2026 include the acquisition of NMESIS launchers and carriers from Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and Oshkosh Corp, as well as NSM missiles and training rounds from Raytheon and Kongsberg. HIMARS RRPRs are procured from Lockheed Martin, with quantities aligned to training and certification requirements. The budget also funds NMESIS Weapon Control Systems, Leader Kits, Resupply Systems, Peculiar Support Equipment, Program Management Administration, and training events to support battery fielding and operational readiness.

Justification for these investments centers on the need to counter peer adversary threats, provide persistent and mobile anti-ship and precision fires, and ensure Marine Corps artillery units are equipped for integrated naval operations. The procurement schedule and quantities are structured to support the stand-up of Medium-Range Missile Batteries and modernization of artillery capabilities, with delivery timelines and contractor locations specified for each major component. The program also includes inflation adjustments for missile and spare parts procurement to maintain cost realism.