The Army bought nearly $5 billion worth of rockets
By
Miguel Ortiz
Updated on
May 1, 2023
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, America and its allies began drawing from their own military stockpiles to aid Kyiv in its defense. At the same time,…
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, America and its allies began drawing from their own military stockpiles to aid Kyiv in its defense. At the same time, governments fearing an escalated conflict with Russia increased military spending and procurement. To replenish its stockpiles and provide more aid to allies, the U.S. Army awarded a Not-to-Exceed $4.79 billion contract to Lockheed Martin for HIMARS and other rockets and associated equipment to be completed by 2026.
The enormous contract calls for the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets, specifically the Unitary and Alternative Warhead rockets, as well as integrated logistics support for the Army and international partners. In 2019, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.3 billion contract for the production of over 9,500 Unitary and AW rockets, more than 300 Low-Cost Reduced-Range Practice rockets and logistics support. The 2023 contract represents an exponential acquisitions increase for the Army.
To meet the increased demand for rockets by the U.S. and allied nations, Lockheed Martin is kicking production into high gear. "We are working closely with our Army customer and supply chain partners, who are moving with unprecedented speed, to ramp production capacity supporting the urgent need for this highly-reliable, combat-proven rocket," said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, in a company press release. "We’re seeing an increase in demand for this versatile rocket because GMLRS provides strategic advantage, unmatched accuracy and it’s cost-effective. It's the right round for many missions."
https://www.wearethemighty.com/tactical/army-rockets-himars/
