Lockheed Martin has completed the second flight test of its Joint Reduced Range Rocket, known as JR3. The system is being developed as an affordable successor to the US Army’s existing Low-Cost Reduced-Range Practice Rocket, which is used to train crews operating precision-fire platforms such as HIMARS and M270 MLRS.The latest evaluation was conducted at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Multiple JR3 rounds were fired from a HIMARS launcher to assess important characteristics including range, flight trajectory, accuracy and the effects of the rocket’s marking payload.The program originated from a July 2024 agreement through the US Army Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium. The first JR3 test was conducted in September 2025 as Lockheed Martin worked to develop a training munition better aligned with the Army’s current training and modernization requirements.The new rocket is designed as an all-up round and incorporates a reusable 24-rocket launch pod. This configuration is intended to allow crews to conduct large-scale live-fire training under different environmental conditions.JR3 uses established rocket motor technology combined with a modular payload. This approach is intended to keep the training round inexpensive while supporting repeated use. Reloadable launch tubes and reusable pods could further reduce ammunition costs and minimize downtime between training events.These features could allow HIMARS and M270 crews to conduct realistic firing exercises even when operating on ranges with limited capacity. Another JR3 flight test is planned later this year to continue validating the system.Lockheed Martin has also highlighted potential applications beyond training. The rocket’s modular architecture and motor technology could potentially be adapted for future Army initiatives, including the Direct Support Fires Technology program. That initiative is focused on affordable, mass-producible rockets that can operate with existing launch systems.
