Anti-Armor Missile-TOW

The Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS) program, as outlined in Line Item 3025 of the Department of Defense (DoD) budget for the Navy, supports the Marine Corps' procurement of advanced surface-to-surface artillery rockets. The program's primary goal is to provide the Marine Corps with 24/7, all-weather precision fires capability to engage both area and point targets at varying ranges. These rockets are launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) platforms and are procured in alignment with the Army to maximize joint force interoperability and cost efficiency.

The objectives of the Standard Range (SR) GMLRS procurement are to maintain a reliable supply of two main rocket variants: the Unitary (U) and the Alternative Warhead (AW). The GMLRS-U variant is designed to deliver a high explosive warhead for precision strikes with minimal collateral damage, while the GMLRS-AW serves as a non-cluster munition alternative for engaging similar target sets as the dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM). Both variants are currently in full-rate production and are nearly identical in design, with the AW variant being largely common with the U variant. The procurement of SR GMLRS rockets also includes production services such as cybersecurity and safety support to ensure operational readiness and compliance with modern standards.

In FY 2026, the program expands to include the Extended Range (ER) GMLRS variant, which is capable of reaching targets at distances over 150 kilometers approximately double the range of the SR GMLRS. The ER GMLRS procurement is intended to enhance the Marine Corps' ability to support deep fires in joint operations, thereby sustaining a military advantage and favorable regional balance of power in operational theaters. The ER variant's procurement includes rocket unit costs, download services, integrated product support, and cybersecurity measures, reflecting a comprehensive approach to capability development.

Procurement quantities and costs for both SR and ER GMLRS rockets are coordinated with the Army and are influenced by the total demand from the Army, Marine Corps, and several Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partners. For FY 2026, the Marine Corps plans to procure SR and ER GMLRS rockets, with total costs determined by variant type, quantity, and aggregate demand across all participating services and FMS countries. The actual unit costs will be finalized upon contract award.

Additional objectives within this line item include the procurement of launch pod containers for SR GMLRS rockets, production engineering support, and first destination transport. The launch pod containers are built to print and, beginning in FY 2026, their costs are integrated into the SR GMLRS unit cost in alignment with Army contracting strategies. Production engineering support funding increases in FY 2026 to accommodate the introduction of ER GMLRS procurement and reflects Army estimates for required technical and logistical services.

Contracting for the GMLRS program is managed through single-source, fixed-price incentive fee (FPIF) and fixed-price (FP) contracts with Lockheed Martin in Dallas, TX. The production schedule is designed to ensure timely delivery of rockets and associated hardware, with procurement lead times ranging from 16 to 20 months depending on the variant and production rate. Government management costs are also included to oversee program execution and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

The Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS) line item supports joint force operational capability, enhances precision strike options, and aligns with the National Defense Strategy's emphasis on affordability, speed, and technological advancement. The program's coordinated procurement approach with the Army and integration of cybersecurity, safety, and engineering support services ensure that the Marine Corps remains equipped with modern, effective artillery rocket systems for current and future operational requirements.