European Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System Launcher Proves Capability with First-Ever Firing
August 4, 2025 - White Sands Missile Range, N.M., August 4, 2025 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Rheinmetall, partners in the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) program, successfully conducted the first live fire of the GMARS launcher, demonstrating its capability to launch GMLRS rockets. These are the same munitions used by the U.S. and allied nations across the globe, reinforcing interoperability and supporting joint operations.
The live fire demonstration, held at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, marked a significant milestone in the GMARS development program, 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 ATACMS, 4 PrSM, 12 GMLRS Standard Range or 12 Extended Range GMLRS missiles.
"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 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.”
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. The system's ability to launch current and future state-of-the-art long-range and extended-long-range rocket fire missions provides a significant advantage on the modern battlefield.
"We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone in the GMARS program," said Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO 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."
The GMARS program is a result of the partnership between Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, which combines their individual strengths to provide a launcher built for NATO allies that maximizes combat-proven HIMARS and M270 components. GMARS provides the same munition capacity as M270 on a wheeled platform with opportunity to integrate allied nations’ platforms and munitions.
For more information on the GMARS program, please visit: https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/tactical-wheeled-vehicles/wheeled-armoured-vehicles/gmars
About Rheinmetall
As an integrated technology group, the listed company Rheinmetall AG is a leading international systems supplier in the defence industry and at the same time a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in the civilian markets. With over 31,000 employees at 171 sites worldwide, Rheinmetall AG generated sales of €9.8 billion and an operating result of €1,478 million in 2024. www.rheinmetall.com
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.Lockheedmartin.com.
