Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin have begun live fire trials of the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, according to a post by Lockheed Martin Europe. The tests are part of an effort to validate the system’s operational capabilities following its official debut at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris.
GMARS is a mobile, long-range rocket artillery platform designed to address evolving precision strike needs across NATO forces. The system is mounted on Rheinmetall’s HX 8×8 tactical truck and features a dual-pod launcher compatible with the entire MLRS Family of Munitions, including GMLRS (over 70 km), ER GMLRS (150 km), ATACMS (300 km), and PrSM (400+ km). Future upgrades are expected to support cruise missiles and additional guided weapons.
Designed for operational flexibility, GMARS can perform continuous missions in varying environmental conditions. Its mobility and “shoot and scoot” capability allow for rapid repositioning after firing, reducing exposure to enemy targeting. The system does not rely on outriggers or external stabilizers, which shortens setup time in active combat zones.
Weighing under 40 tons in combat configuration, GMARS reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h and has a road range of approximately 700 km. The vehicle’s dimensions — 2.5 meters wide, 3.9 meters high, and 9.8 meters long — support compatibility with standard military transport infrastructure. Operated by a crew of two (with an optional third seat), the launcher also includes an integrated crane system for autonomous reloading under various conditions, including night operations and adverse weather.
The system aims to complement existing capabilities between tube artillery and air-delivered strikes. GMARS can be used in a range of missions, from interdiction and counter-battery fire to suppression of enemy air defenses and disruption of logistics. In contested environments, its inertial and GPS navigation systems allow continued operation even in the absence of reliable satellite signals.
Interoperability is a core design feature. GMARS shares components with systems like HIMARS and M270, facilitating joint training, maintenance, and logistics within NATO. The platform’s open architecture allows for future payload integration and adaptation to new operational requirements.
Earlier in 2025, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin convened a summit in Europe with representatives from 14 countries. The event included technical briefings, factory tours, and discussions on long-range fires and multi-domain operations. A live-fire demonstration is planned for later this year.
