Similar to existing rocket artillery, the GMARS has a shoot-and-scoot capability, meaning that it can fire its payload and move before it can be tracked by enemy counter-artillery systems.
A new rocket artillery system just completed its first successful test firing.
On Monday, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin announced that the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) successfully completed its initial test firing in New Mexico.
Rocket artillery has proven to be extremely effective in Ukraine, and the introduction of the GMARS could greatly increase America’s—and NATO’s—firepower.
America’s GMARS System Just Passed Its First Test
The testing took place in the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and showcased that the GMARS can effectively fire rocket missiles. Although other challenges remain, this is the critical first step toward a fully operational weapon system.
“We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone in the GMARS program,” Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe, said in a press statement. “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.”
Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin did not disclose the range the training rounds achieved. The German defense giant, however, has indicated that the GMARS will be able to provide fire support missions of up to 400 kilometers, or approximately 250 miles. If that assessment proves to be accurate, the GMARS will be able to reach targets more than 50 miles further than the existing MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) rocket artillery, which has seen widespread and effective use in Ukraine.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Paula Hartley, vice president and general manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, stated about the test.
Mobility Is the Key to Rocket Artillery’s Effectiveness
Similar to the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), the GMARS has a shoot-and-scoot capability, meaning that it can fire its payload and move before it can be tracked by enemy counter-artillery systems. Indeed, M142 HIMARS and M279 MLRS in Ukraine often take off to localized hiding places before their munitions even reach their targets.
“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,” Hartley added.
The new rocket artillery system requires a crew of two, but can carry an additional crew member to make some tasks easier. Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the GMARS is that it can use the same munitions as the existing M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS—thus making it easier for militaries already experienced with HIMARS systems to introduce the new weapon.
The GMARS can carry two pods with different payloads. It can carry up to 12 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), four Precision Strike Missile (PRSM) short-range ballistic missiles, or two MGM-140 ATACMS. It can also integrate platforms and munitions developed by NATO nations.
Rocket artillery, or multiple launch rocket systems, has proved its worth in modern warfare in the fighting between Ukraine and Russia. Both combatants use rocket artillery for long-range fires missions.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
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