Aviation News – Lockheed Martin has successfully completed a 112-kilometer flight test of its Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS), marking a pivotal step in expanding the reach of modern artillery. The demonstration, conducted at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, validated the system’s ability to engage distant targets with pinpoint accuracy using the M270A2 launcher.
The February 2026 test follows a series of successful evaluations in late 2025 and January 2026, officially concluding system qualification for the Alternative Warhead (AW) variant. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army, the ER GMLRS is designed to double the range of current munitions, extending its effective strike distance to 150 kilometers. This development context is critical as global defense forces seek to enhance “stand-off” capabilities—the ability to strike from a distance that keeps friendly units safe from enemy counter-battery fire.
Technically, the ER GMLRS achieves its superior range through a larger solid rocket motor and an advanced tail-driven control system, which replaces the traditional nose-fin guidance. This shift allows for enhanced maneuverability and sustained precision over longer flight paths. Because the system is fully compatible with existing HIMARS and M270A2 mobile launchers, it provides a massive boost to firepower without requiring military units to invest in new, expensive vehicle platforms or logistical infrastructure.
“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 of Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets.
This successful qualification signals a shift toward full-rate production and eventual fielding to frontline units in the United States and allied nations across Europe and the Indo-Pacific. As modern conflict increasingly rewards the side with the longest reach, the ER GMLRS is expected to become a cornerstone of multi-domain operations, filling the gap between standard artillery and larger tactical missiles.
The completion of these tests ensures that the U.S. Army and its partners remain “ahead of ready” in an era of evolving threats. By maintaining 98% reliability standards while doubling operational range, Lockheed Martin has solidified the GMLRS family’s reputation as the “70-kilometer sniper rifle”—now upgraded for a 150-kilometer battlefield.
Photo Lockheed Martin
