CAMDEN, Ark., — Lockheed Martin has delivered its 100,000th Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket and increased annual production to nearly 14,000 units, reaching the target ahead of schedule. The precision-guided rockets are used by the U.S. Army and allied forces and launched from M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS systems.
The milestone was marked at Lockheed Martin's Camden, Arkansas, facility, where more than 200 employees support GMLRS production.
New Solid Rocket Motor Test
Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) have completed the first ground test of a new GMLRS solid rocket motor. Further testing is planned, with full qualification targeted for 2027. Once qualified, it will provide a third domestic U.S. source for the motor.
GDOTS already supplies GMLRS warheads, rocket motor cases and launch pod containers. Chris Haynes, senior vice president and general manager at GDOTS, described the test as an important milestone in expanding motor production capacity.
Production Expansion and Supply Chain
The GMLRS supply chain includes more than 200 suppliers across 35 U.S. states, including over 50 small businesses. Gaylia Campbell, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Tactical Missiles, said the company is working with the Department of War and industry partners to meet demand.
Lockheed Martin is increasing the Camden facility's workforce by 50% to support production of GMLRS, PAC-3 MSE and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The expansion follows a $3 billion U.S. Army contract awarded in June 2026 for standard and extended-range GMLRS production during fiscal year 2026.
Current rocket motor suppliers include L3Harris Technologies and Northrop Grumman. L3Harris recently opened a new production facility in Camden and received a $250 million contract for a record quantity of GMLRS motors. Qualification of the GDOTS motor would add another domestic source.
Workforce Development
Lockheed Martin's high school recruitment initiative, now in its fourth year, hired a record more than 40 graduating students into full-time munitions production jobs this year.
The company is also helping fund a new Industrial Automation and Robotics Lab at the Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence at Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech).
The increase to nearly 14,000 rockets annually follows earlier production expansion from approximately 8,000 units per year. Meanwhile, the extended-range GMLRS variant, designed to reach approximately 150 kilometres, remains in development.
These efforts aim to increase U.S. and allied access to GMLRS rockets while expanding domestic manufacturing and supply chain capacity.
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