The US HIMARS missile system has launched the new ER GMLRS precision-guided munition for the first time at a range of 150 kilometres

Lockheed Martin is nearing completion of the Extended Ranger (ER) Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) precision-guided munition. The company has reported a successful test of the munition.

Here's What We Know

GMLRS is a family of guided rocket projectiles of 227mm calibre. They are used in M142 HIMARS high-mobility artillery rocket systems and M270 MLRS multiple rocket launchers (and their modifications).

The conventional GMLRS has a maximum launch range of approximately 80 kilometres. The ER version can engage targets within a range of 150 km. HIMARS and MLRS can fire a salvo of 6 and 12 launches respectively, although the calibre has increased to 254mm.

Lockheed Martin conducted the first ER GMLRS test in March 2021, when the projectile travelled 80 km. Late last year, a 59km test launch was conducted. In recent tests, the M142 HIMARS system was able to launch the ER GMLRS to a maximum range of 150 km, almost double the range of the GMLRS.

Source: Lockheed Martin