U.S. Army seeks 133,000 GMLRS rockets by 2034 amid stockpile concerns

Amid ongoing concerns over munitions stockpiles, the U.S. Army has issued a call to significantly ramp up production of ground-launched rockets.

The service released a Sources Sought notice this week requesting the manufacture of 133,014 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets by 2034. Contractors have until September 1 to submit white papers outlining their plans to meet the quota.

Production Timeline and Scope

• Annual production target: 19,002 rockets per year from 2028 to 2034
• First deliveries: Scheduled to begin in February 2030

According to the notice, the contract scope includes:

• Production
• Tooling
• Engineering change proposals
• Supporting activities for GMLRS rockets, including unitary, alternative warhead (AW), and extended range (ER) variants

Capacity Challenges

Current GMLRS manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced last year that it is ramping up production capacity to 14,000 rockets annually. The Army's new plan would require a nearly 36% increase in capacity beyond that level.

"The submissions must outline the most efficient and cost-effective methods for achieving this production rate," the Army noted.

Army efforts to boost U.S. munitions production have faced setbacks, including a facility intended to manufacture components for 155mm shells that failed to produce any parts.

System Capabilities

GMLRS rockets are launched from:

• M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (armored vehicle)
• M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) (smaller, truck-mounted)

Range:

• Base version: 70 kilometers
• Extended-range version: up to 150 kilometers

Stockpile and Demand

Lockheed Martin had delivered 75,000 GMLRS rockets to the U.S. Army by 2024, but demand remains unmet.

Originally designed as Cold War weapons to deliver massive firepower against a hypothetical Soviet attack on Europe, U.S. multiple rocket launchers have become key assets in the war in Ukraine. The M270, HIMARS, and their GMLRS rockets have been instrumental in enabling Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion, devastating targets such as command posts, supply depots, and troop formations.

Ukraine used HIMARS to strike a power plant inside Russia last September. However, heavy Russian jamming of the rockets' GPS guidance system eventually compromised some effectiveness.

Between deliveries to Ukraine and a protracted conflict with Iran, U.S. stockpiles of GMLRS and other guided munitions have been depleted. Replenishment has been further complicated by a shortage of rocket motors.

About the Author

Michael Peck is a correspondent for Defense News and a columnist for the Center for European Policy Analysis. He holds an M.A. in political science from Rutgers University. Contact him at mikedefense1@gmail.com or visit theuncommondefense.com.