Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)

Mission — Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) source

Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets are surface-to-surface artillery rockets fired from the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. GMLRS rockets provide 24/7, all-weather precision fires to engage both area and point targets at short, medium, and long ranges. The GMLRS Program currently consists of multiple variants: GMLRS Unitary utilizes a 200-pound high explosive warhead to engage point targets with limited collateral damage; GMLRS Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) cluster munition to engage area or imprecisely located targets; and GMLRS Alternative Warhead (AW) which has been developed as a non-cluster munition to engage the same target set as GMLRS DPICM. GMLRS DPICM Production was terminated in response to the June 2008 Department of Defense (DoD) Cluster Munitions Policy. GMLRS Unitary and AW are currently in full rate production. The GMLRS program will continue to leverage ongoing Government and Industry research and development efforts to extend range, increase survivability, and enhance lethality. The GMLRS program includes a modification that extends the maximum range (Extended Range (ER) GMLRS) and is capable of carrying both the Unitary and AW warheads. The GMLRS program also includes an Enhanced Alternative Warhead (EAW) modification that will service the existing GMLRS and ER-GMLRS AW targets while adding capability against light and medium armored vehicles. The GMLRS program is a component of an integrated fires development effort that includes survivability, resiliency, and effectiveness improvements against advanced threats from near-peer adversaries. These efforts include integration with an evolving common fires mission command, common development tools and processes, and annual test and evaluation to provide data to support program assessments and progress toward closure of performance gaps. GMLRS is part of the Army Transformation Initiative. The munitions developed under this funding line are part of the MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM) that are deployed by the M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers. Project DL1: Completes ER-GMLRS system development and qualification with redesigned side mounted proximity sensor. DL1 also funds the Enhanced Alternative Warhead (EAW) system development and qualification. EAW system level qualification, integration, and test completes initially with standard range GMLRS rockets prior to integration of EAW into ER-GMLRS. Project EG2: The U.S. Army initially funded the development of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) increment under this project code. Project EG3: Guided MLRS funding line supports GMLRS enhancements including development of Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (APNT). The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.043 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative."

Mission — Extended Range GMLRS source

The DL1 project code funds efforts to enhance Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER-GMLRS) rockets and common components under Project DL1: Extended Range GMLRS. The Army is requesting funding for ER-GMLRS Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) development, integration, and test activities to enhance operational capabilities including increased range, improved lethality and survivability, enhanced flight performance, and Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT). FY 2026 dollars in the amount of $30.776 million will fund system level qualification of the ER-GMLRS with a redesigned Side Mounted Proximity Sensor and the Enhanced Alternative Warhead.

Mission — GMLRS Alternative Warheads source

Continuation of the EAW qualification effort beyond FY 2024 is funded under Projects EG3 / Guided MLRS and DL1 / Extended Range GMLRS. The U.S. Army initially funded the development of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) increment under the Project EG2: GMLRS Alternative Warheads project code. GMLRS AW entered full rate production in 2015. The 26 October 2016 Deputy Secretary's Management Action Group (DMAG) directed the Army to define and execute an effort for a GMLRS modification that would integrate a seeker into the rocket. The Army prioritized integration of an Enhanced Alternative Warhead (EAW) into a standard range GMLRS rocket over continuation of the seeker spiral.

Mission — Guided MLRS source

The U.S. Army continues to explore ways to enhance Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets and common components under Project EG3: Guided MLRS. The Army is requesting funding for GMLRS Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) development, integration, and test activities to enhance operational capabilities including increased range, improved lethality and survivability, enhanced flight performance, and Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT). FY 2026 dollars in the amount of $2.531 million will fund continuation of APNT development activities.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (7)