Lockheed Martin to test-flight the ER GMLRS missile with a maximum launch range of 150km at the end of the year

Lockheed Martin is preparing for a possible launch of a long-range ER GMLRS missile. To that end, it plans to conduct another flight test before the end of the year.

Here's What We Know

The ER GMLRS is one modification of the GMLRS all-weather guided missile. In March 2021, Lockheed Martin conducted its first test, in which the projectile struck a target at a distance of 80 km. Late last year, the M142 HIMARS launched a missile at 59 km. The maximum launch range will be 150 km.

The US Army has not yet made a decision regarding the production launch of the ER GMLRS. Lockheed Martin hopes to put the new missile on the assembly line in the near future. A final decision should be made in 2024.

The ER GMLRS will be housed in standard M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS launch containers, although the caliber will increase from 9" to 10". The missile will be steered by tail rudders to reduce drag and increase munition manoeuvrability.

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $4.79bn contract to produce the GMLRS. The conventional projectiles have a maximum launch range of about 80km. The US Army is preparing to sign a multi-year agreement and increase production of GMLRS to 14,000 missiles a year against the current 6,000.

Source: Defence News