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US Army seeks 133,000 GMLRS rockets by 2034 amid stockpile concerns
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The U.S. Army issued a Sources Sought notice on August 18, 2026, requesting manufacturing of 133,014 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets by 2034. The plan requires production of 19,002 rockets per year from 2028 to 2034, with first deliveries in February 2030. This represents a 36% increase over Lockheed Martin's current capacity of 14,000 rockets annually. The munitions include unitary, alternative warhead, and extended-range variants. The request comes amid depleted U.S. stockpiles due to deliveries to Ukraine and conflict with Iran, and follows previous manufacturing difficulties with 155mm shell production. GMLRS rockets, launched from M270 and HIMARS systems, have been critical in Ukraine's defense against Russia, though Russian GPS jamming has reduced some effectiveness. The Army seeks cost-effective production methods, with contractor white papers due by September 1.
Source report
The U.S. Army has issued a call to dramatically ramp up production of ground-launched rockets, as questions over munitions stockpiles continue to mount.
Production Target and Timeline
The service released a Sources Sought notice this week requesting manufacturing of 133,014 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets by 2034. Contractors have until September 1 to submit white papers outlining plans to meet the quota.
The proposed production schedule calls for:
- 19,002 rockets per year from 2028 to 2034
- First deliveries beginning in February 2030
"The scope of the contract includes production, tooling, engineering change proposals, and supporting activities of GMLRS rockets including unitary, alternative warhead (AW), and extended range (ER) rockets," the notice stated.
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.
"Submissions must outline the most efficient and cost-effective methods for achieving this production rate," the Army noted.
However, 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)
The base version of GMLRS has a range of 70 kilometers, while the extended-range version can reach up to 150 kilometers.
Stockpile and Demand
Lockheed Martin had delivered 75,000 GMLRS rockets to the U.S. Army by 2024, but this has not satisfied demand.
Originally designed as Cold War weapons to deliver massive firepower against a hypothetical Soviet attack on Europe, U.S. multiple rocket launchers have become pivotal 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 even used HIMARS to strike a power plant inside Russia last September. However, heavy Russian jamming of the 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 Michael Peck
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. Find him at theuncommondefense.com. His email is mikedefense1@gmail.com.
Source
Military TimesWestern
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US Army Seeks 133,000 GMLRS Rockets by 2034 to Replenish Depleted Stockpiles