US invests $1.45bn in capacity upgrades and doubles production of Javelin and GMLRS

The US Department of Defense intends to significantly increase the production of high-precision GMLRS rounds, which are used by the M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS missile systems. This was announced by Deputy Pentagon Chief Gabe Camarillo.

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According to the official, the defence establishment plans to invest $1.45 billion in modernisation of production facilities. More than a quarter of that amount will be spent on installing new lines, purchasing equipment and payroll. In total, the Pentagon is prepared to allocate over $2bn to fund facilities that take part in shell production.

Within 5 years, the US Department of Defense hopes to produce six times as many 155 mm artillery shells. By the end of this year, 24,000 rounds will come off the assembly line each month instead of 20,000 rounds.

Production of high-precision GMLRS rockets for M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS will double by 2026 (from 566 to 1,110 per month). In addition, the US Army wants to receive 330 missiles and 41 Javelin launchers per month (+100%).

The funding will be part of a 15-year plan to modernise state-owned weapons and ammunition production facilities. A total of $18bn will be allocated for its implementation.

Source: Defence One