Lockheed Martin Awarded New HIMARS And M270A2 Contracts
The US Department of Defense awarded a new contract to Lockheed Martin for the production and delivery of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and supporting services of the M142 system. The framework agreement, worth $860 million, was signed on 8 May. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2026. The contract will be undertaken by Lockheed Martin’s Grand Prairie facility in Texas.
HIMARS has triumphed in Ukraine as one of the most valued weapons systems at the disposal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Its capability to place precision strikes at the 40km range was crucial for engaging the logistics of the Russian Armed Forces and forced them to adapt their supply strategy for the troops on the ground when introduced. The system is able to fire 227mm MLRS rockets, guided GMLRS rocket, ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles and the new Precision Strike Missile.
The market for M142 has rapidly expanded in recent years with countries such as Australia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania interested in procurement of the system in significant numbers.
A second contract awarded by the Department of Defense to Lockheed Martin for $220 million regards the modification of the M270 MLRS platform to the M270A2 variant. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas; Camden Arkansas; and New Boston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2028.
The award follows an initial agreement issued in 2019, and subsequent contracts calling for recapitalization to support mission readiness through 2050. Recapitalization includes a complete overhaul and upgrades to the systems with brand new engines, improved armored cabs, and the new Common Fire Control System (CFCS), which will be compatible with current and future MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM). Alongside the US modification, Finland and the United Kingdom have also begun modernization of their M270 MLRS to M270A2 comparable variants.