Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS)

The Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS) program is a key line item in the Army's missile procurement budget, supporting the acquisition of precision-guided, surface-to-surface artillery rockets for use with the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. The primary goal of the GMLRS program is to provide the Army and Marine Corps with 24/7, all-weather, precision fires capability to engage both area and point targets at varying ranges. The FY 2026 budget supports procurement of rockets and advance procurement for long lead items to maintain production lead times and mitigate supply chain volatility.

The GMLRS program consists of several distinct variants, each with specific objectives. The GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) variant utilizes a high explosive warhead designed to engage point targets with limited collateral damage. The Army plans to procure standard range GMLRS-U rockets, with funding allocated for production support, engineering change proposals, and program management. The GMLRS-U is intended to meet the Army's Total Munitions Requirement and is produced by Lockheed Martin under a sole-source, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.

The GMLRS Alternative Warhead (GMLRS-AW) variant was developed as a non-cluster munition to engage area or imprecisely located targets. The Army will procure standard range GMLRS-AW rockets, including some under Overseas Contingency Operations funding. The GMLRS-AW program includes funding for recurring production costs, software support, engineering change proposals to address obsolescence and regulatory changes, and government management activities. Production support activities encompass industrial engineering services, bunker storage, and quality assurance personnel.

The Extended Range GMLRS Unitary (ER GMLRS-U) variant extends the range of the currently fielded GMLRS Unitary rocket, enhancing the Army's ability to engage targets at greater distances. The Army will procure ER GMLRS-U rockets, with funding allocated for production verification testing, software support, and engineering change proposals related to the new M-Code Guidance Set increments. The ER GMLRS-U is also produced by Lockheed Martin.

The Extended Range GMLRS Alternative Warhead (ER GMLRS-AW) variant is scheduled to enter production in FY 2027, with FY 2026 funding dedicated to advance procurement of long lead items. The ER GMLRS-AW extends the range of the standard AW rocket and is designed to engage area targets without the use of cluster munitions. Advance procurement funding is essential to reduce production lead time and to ensure timely delivery of critical components such as motors, guidance sets, payload electronics, and control actuation systems.

Advance procurement is a critical objective across all GMLRS variants. The FY 2026 advance procurement request supports the acquisition of long lead items for future production, enabling the Army to maintain a 24-month lead time and mitigate supply chain risks. This approach is justified by the need to meet the Army's acquisition objective for rockets and to support homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities, as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS) program's goals and objectives are focused on sustaining and expanding the Army's precision fires capability, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of multiple rocket variants, and maintaining production readiness through advance procurement. The program is managed by the Army's Aviation and Missile Command, with Lockheed Martin serving as the primary industry partner. Funding allocations are tailored to the specific needs of each variant, including production, engineering, software, and program management, to ensure the Army's munitions requirements are met efficiently and effectively.