Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin have completed the first test firing of their GMARS launcher of their GMARS launcher announced in the spring, demonstrating its ability to launch GMLRS missiles.
The live-fire demonstration at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico/USA is a “significant milestone in the development of the GMARS program” according to the two defence manufacturers. The aim is to offer military customers a highly mobile, survivable and versatile rocket artillery system built in Europe with a long range and world-leading precision.
The launcher can be equipped with an extended load of two ATACMS, four PrSM, twelve GMLRS standard or twelve GMLRS extended-range missiles.
“We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone in the GMARS program,” says Björn Bernhard, CEO Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe. “We are confident that GMARS will already meet the future requirements of our customers.”
The GMARS launcher, which is based on the HX vehicle family from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles offers a high degree of interoperability and interchangeability with the M270A2 and HIMARS launchers already in service. “This makes it an ideal solution for the armed forces operating in Europe,” said the two companies in a recent press release. “The system’s ability to launch current and future missiles at long and extreme ranges represents a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield.”
“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the future needs of our customers,” said Paula Hartley, Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “The GMARS program is an excellent example of this, and we are pleased to have successfully demonstrated live-fire capabilities. With the achievement of this milestone, we are able to rapidly qualify and bring this capability to market.”
The GMARS program is the result of a partnership between Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, who are combining their respective strengths to develop a European-focused launcher system that makes optimal use of existing HIMARS and M270 components.
Here for more news about Lockheed Martin and here to further reports about Rheinmetall.
