GMARS launcher conducts first live firing, proving its capability to launch GMLRS rounds

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, as partners in the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) programme, have successfully conducted the first live firing of the GMARS launcher, demonstrating its capability to launch Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, Lockheed Martin announced on 4 August 2025.

GMLRS rounds are launched by the M270 MLRSs and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) of the US and various allied forces worldwide, reinforcing interoperability and supporting joint operations.

The live-fire demonstration, held recently at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, marked a significant milestone in the GMARS development programme, which aims to provide military customers with a highly mobile, survivable and versatile long-range precision fires capability tailored to and interoperable with existing allied platforms. The launcher can be armed with an enhanced loadout of two Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) rounds, four Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs), 12 standard-range GMLRS rounds or 12 Extended-Range (ER) GMLRS rounds.

The GMARS launcher, based on the Rheinmetall HX vehicle series, offers a high degree of interoperability and interchangeability with fielded M270A2 and HIMARS launchers, making it an ideal solution for military forces operating in Europe, Lockheed Martin noted. The system’s ability to launch current and future long-range and extended-long-range rocket fire missions provides a significant advantage on the modern battlefield, the company added.

The GMARS programme is a result of a partnership between Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin that began in 2023, with the two companies combining their individual strengths to provide a launcher built for NATO allies that maximises combat-proven HIMARS and M270 components. GMARS provides the same munition capacity as the tracked M270 system on a wheeled platform, with opportunity to integrate allied nations’ platforms and munitions.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Paula Hartley, vice president and general manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The GMARS programme is a prime example of this commitment, and we are pleased to have successfully demonstrated its capability in this live fire exercise. With this milestone accomplished, we are poised to rapidly qualify and bring this capability to market.”

“We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone in the GMARS programme,” added Dr Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe. “The successful live-fire showcases the system’s precision and reliability, and we are confident that GMARS will meet the evolving needs of our customers.”