- Lockheed Martin completed system qualification testing of the Extended-Range GMLRS Alternative Warhead with a 112-km flight test launched from an M270A2 at White Sands Missile Range.
- The ER GMLRS doubles engagement range to 150 km while remaining compatible with existing HIMARS and M270 launchers used by U.S. and allied forces.
Lockheed Martin successfully conducted a 112-kilometer flight test of its Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the company announced.
The test marked the first time an M270A2 launcher fired the Alternative Warhead (AW) configuration of the ER GMLRS rocket, validating launcher integration, precision performance, and lethality. The milestone followed a separate successful test conducted in January and represents the final system qualification test required before operational evaluation.
According to Lockheed Martin, the flight demonstrated full compatibility between the ER GMLRS AW rocket and existing launcher platforms already in service with U.S. and allied forces. The company said the test confirmed that the extended-range rocket maintains the reliability and accuracy standards established by earlier GMLRS variants.
“The successful launch from the M270A2 shows we can give warfighters a longer-range weapon on the rocket platform they already trust, extending strike capability without adding new logistics burdens,” said Dave Griser, vice president for Precision Fires Rockets at Lockheed Martin.
The ER GMLRS is designed to double the range of the standard GMLRS rocket. Lockheed Martin stated that the system can reach distances up to 150 kilometers, compared with approximately 70 kilometers for the baseline version. The extended reach expands the battlespace coverage available to artillery units while retaining compatibility with existing High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 launchers.
The Alternative Warhead configuration is intended to engage area targets while maintaining precision guidance. The company said the system supports a broader mission set, including engagement of high-value and time-sensitive targets, suppression of enemy air defenses, and delivery of effects against both point and area objectives.
Lockheed Martin noted that integration with the M270A2 launcher demonstrates added operational capability without requiring new launch platforms or changes to existing force structure. Units operating HIMARS or M270 systems can employ the extended-range rocket using current infrastructure and logistics networks.
Griser also said, “I’m excited to share that Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the final System Qualification Test (SQT) of the Extended-Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) in a 112-km flight launched from an M270A2. This test confirmed the Alternative Warhead variant’s performance, precision and lethality. Bringing this milestone to fruition, just two weeks apart from a successful test in January, required a truly cross-functional effort. Thank you to our US Army partner and everyone who made this possible – your collaboration is shaping the next generation of high-performance, long-range fire solutions.”
The GMLRS family has become a central precision fires capability for U.S. and allied forces, widely used for long-range strike missions due to its accuracy and compatibility with mobile launch systems. The ER variant extends engagement distances while maintaining established operational procedures.