The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $52-million contract to support the sustainment, operation, and configuration of its two primary rocket artillery platforms: the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The agreement also covers maintenance for repair parts storage and services for the Army’s distribution center. Work will be conducted at the company’s facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, with completion expected by May 14, 2031.
Both HIMARS and MLRS form the backbone of the Army’s Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) modernization program, which includes integrating advanced systems such as the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) across both launchers. The two platforms fire the same family of munitions—like GMLRS rockets and extended-range variants—while offering rapid shoot-and-scoot capabilities to evade counter-battery fire.
Despite firing identical munitions, the two systems differ significantly in design and operational use. HIMARS, mounted on a wheeled chassis, is lighter, faster, and air-transportable, making it ideal for expeditionary operations and missions requiring rapid mobility. In contrast, the tracked MLRS is heavier, armored, and optimized for high-intensity combat scenarios where durability and sustained firepower are essential.
Global demand for HIMARS has surged due to its battlefield performance in Ukraine, effectiveness in Middle East operations against ISIS, and its growing role in Indo-Pacific deterrence. Several nations—including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and Estonia—have placed new orders for the system this year, emphasizing its strategic value in modern warfare.
