Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin Begin Testing GMARS Rocket Artillery System in U.S.

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin have officially begun testing their jointly developed Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) at the White Sands Missile Range in the United States. This follows the system’s public debut at the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition in Paris, marking a key step in its development towards full operational capability.

Built on the Rheinmetall HX truck platform, the GMARS system integrates a double-pod multiple rocket launcher with advanced fire control systems. It is engineered to handle all-weather, 24/7 operations, supporting the MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM)—the same munitions used by established platforms like the M270 and HIMARS. This design choice makes GMARS fully interoperable with NATO-standard systems.

The GMARS system is optimized for high mobility and fast action, featuring a "shoot and scoot" capability that allows it to fire and quickly reposition without requiring additional setup. It uses a combined inertial and GPS-guided navigation system, enabling precision strikes at ranges beyond 400 km, with further range extensions in the pipeline.

Weighing less than 40 tonnes, GMARS can reach speeds of 100 km/h and has an operational road range of up to 700 kilometres. Its compact size allows for smooth travel on regular roads and easy rail transport, improving its strategic flexibility.

Designed for a two-person crew with an optional third seat, GMARS also includes an integrated crane for quick reloading in any weather condition. Shared components with existing NATO artillery systems help reduce the learning curve for operators and streamline maintenance processes.

Earlier this year, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin co-hosted an international summit in Europe, where they presented GMARS to defence representatives from 14 countries. The event featured technical briefings, factory tours, and discussions on NATO interoperability and long-range precision fires. The summit concluded with plans for a live-fire demonstration in summer 2025.

Dr. Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, said, “We were pleased to showcase the capabilities of the GMARS launcher at the summit with our partner Lockheed Martin.”

Paula Hartley, Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, echoed that sentiment: “The GMARS programme is a prime example of this commitment, and we were pleased to discuss its capabilities and benefits with customers at the summit.”

The event also featured remarks by LTG (R) Ben Hodges, who emphasized the rising importance of advanced mobile artillery in addressing future battlefield challenges.

With testing now underway, GMARS is positioning itself as a next-generation artillery solution that combines long-range firepower, rapid deployment, and NATO interoperability—key features that make it a strong candidate for modern military forces worldwide.