Lockheed Martin will increase production of M142 HIMARS to 96 systems per year
U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin has found a way to increase production of the M142 HIMARS high-precision missile system.
Here's What We Know
The company has invested $65 million to achieve shorter production times for multiple rocket launchers. This way, it will be able to produce 96 M142 HIMARS annually. This was announced by Jim Taiclet, Lockheed Martin's chief executive officer.
BREAKING: Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet says the company has met with its long-lead supply chain to increase HIMARS production to 96 units annually.
- Lee Hudson (@LeeHudson_) October 18, 2022
"We advanced funded ahead of contract, $65 million to shorten the manufacturing lead time and that was without a contract."
It was revealed last month that the Pentagon is willing to invest $1.5 billion to buy 480 M142 HIMARS systems over five years (2024-2028). The increase in production would allow the company to produce 96 multiple rocket launchers over five years, satisfying the U.S. Department of Defense's request for 100 percent.
If Lockheed Martin can indeed produce 96 systems per year, the U.S. Army will have more than 1,000 M270 and M142 HIMARS by 2028, taking into account that the current 600 missile systems will remain in service.
Source: @LeeHudson
Image: asc.army.mil
