Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS)

The Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS) program, managed by the Navy, focuses on procuring surface-to-surface artillery rockets designed for precision targeting. These rockets are launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and are intended to provide 24/7, all-weather precision fires to engage both area and point targets across various ranges. The primary goal of this program is to align with the National Defense Strategy by ensuring performance, affordability, and speed in delivering these capabilities. The Marine Corps collaborates with the Army for the procurement of GMLRS rockets, emphasizing a joint force military advantage and maintaining regional power balance.

The GMLRS program includes two main variants: Unitary and Alternative Warhead. The Unitary variant is equipped with a high explosive warhead designed for point target engagement with minimal collateral damage. Meanwhile, the Alternative Warhead variant serves as a non-cluster munition alternative to engage similar target sets as dual-purpose improved conventional munitions. Both variants are currently in full-rate production and share significant commonality in their design. This commonality aids in streamlining production processes and reducing costs.

In recent years, there have been adjustments in procurement quantities due to factors such as unit cost increases and inflation. For instance, there was a reduction in quantities from 44 to 36 units in FY 2023 due to increased unit costs at the time of contract award. The FY 2025 plan outlines a procurement of six units, reflecting a decrease from previous years due to these cost considerations. This decrease also correlates with reduced requirements for launch pod containers and production engineering support.

The GMLRS program's objectives include not only the procurement of rockets but also associated production services such as cybersecurity measures, performance-oriented packaging, and safety support. The unit costs are influenced by total procurements across the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS), as well as the mix between AW and Unitary warheads. As part of ongoing efforts to optimize resources, beginning in FY 2024, build-to-print pods have been identified separately due to the depletion of refurbishable pod supplies.