U.S. to Boost GMLRS Missile Production for HIMARS to 19,000 Per Year

The U.S. defense industry is set to increase annual production of GMLRS missiles to 19,002 units by 2028.

These plans are stated in documents published on the System for Award Management (SAM) website, which tracks government contracts.

Currently, the United States produces around 14,000 GMLRS missiles annually for use with HIMARS and M270 rocket launchers.

Under the new plan, a total of 95,010 missiles will be produced over the next four years.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the 227-mm GMLRS is equipped with a precision guidance system that enables high accuracy.

The missile can carry various types of warheads, including high-explosive and cluster munitions, making it suitable for striking fortified positions, enemy troops, and infrastructure targets.

Each HIMARS system can launch up to six GMLRS missiles in a salvo, providing significant firepower in combat.

GMLRS and HIMARS have become key components of Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Ukraine first received HIMARS systems in 2022.

Over the past four years, Northrop Grumman has delivered between 5,000 and 6,000 rocket motors annually for the GMLRS.

The company has invested $1 billion over six years to expand production capacity across its facilities.

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin’s Australian division is planning to produce 4,000 GMLRS missiles annually to support HIMARS deployments.