Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin welcomed high-ranking representatives from the armed forces and industry as well as defense experts from a total of 14 nations to the so-called “GMARS Summit” at an undisclosed Rheinmetall location a few days ago. According to the companies, “the latest developments in connection with the two-pod missile launcher system and long-range precision fire” were discussed at the event. A live-fire demonstration was also announced for this summer.
US Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges, former commander of the US Army Europe (-> current news about the US armed forces), gave a keynote speech at the event and provided insights into the challenges and options for action on the modern battlefield. Conference guests were also given an insight into the GMARS launcher, its capabilities and the range of ammunition available, including Lockheed Martin’s precision-guided munitions.
Discussions on interoperability, a key focus of the GMARS Summit, looked at how GMARS can be integrated into NATOsystems such as HIMARS and M270 to provide a comprehensive and flexible capability for long-range precision fire.
The Austrian company, which was presented last year at Eurosatory in Paris (-> The Austrians at Eurosatory), which was presented on the Rheinmetall HX3 vehicle from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (manufactured in Vienna), offers a high degree of mobility, survivability and versatility and is therefore, according to the press release, “an ideal solution for armed forces operating in a rapidly changing environment”.
The event also included a networking session where attendees had the opportunity to discuss their specific needs and challenges with industry experts, military leaders and peers.
“We were pleased to have presented the capabilities of the GMARS system at the conference with our partner Lockheed Martin,” said Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division. “This event was a great opportunity for European customers to learn more about the system, its benefits and how it can support their long-range precision fire requirements.”
“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving 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 commitment, and we were pleased to discuss its capabilities and benefits with customers at the summit.”
Here for more news about Lockheed Martin and here to further reports about Rheinmetall.
