US Army Receives 20,000th GMLRS Rocket

The US Army has taken delivery of the 20,000th guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) Unitary rocket from Lockheed Martin at its Arkansas facility in the US.

Lieutenant colonel TJ Wright, US Army precision guided missiles and rockets product manager, said that the delivery represented a significant achievement and recognition of the sustained relevancy of GMLRS to the US and allied forces.

"GMLRS has a bright future as the long-range, precision-fire weapon of choice when commanders need to decisively and accurately attack high-value targets while minimising the risk of collateral damage," Wright added.

"The development of the GMLRS alternative warhead will also add a critical area weapon capability to our warfighters who rely on GMLRS to deliver all-weather, 24/7 responsive fires when they need it most."

Lockheed Martin missiles and fire control business precision fires vice president Scott Arnold added: "Our workforce is committed to providing weapon systems that protect our warfighters when it is needed most."

Featuring a global positioning system (GPS) with inertial measurement unit guidance, the GMLRS is a 200lb all-weather, rapidly deployable, long-range rocket designed to accurately destroy targets, located at a distance of up to 70km with minimal collateral damage.

The GMLRS rockets have achieved a combat reliability rate of 98%, and more than 2,300 rounds have been fired by the army, Marine Corps and UK forces during coalition operations.

Lockheed also secured a $353.2m contract modification late last month for the seventh production lot of GMLRS unitary rockets for use by US Army and Marine Corps, as well as Singapore, Jordan and Italian armies.

The rockets will be manufactured the company's facilities in Camden, Arkansas and Dallas, and deliveries are scheduled to start in December 2013.