Lockheed to develop modular pod for GMLRS rockets
Lockheed Martin has received a $10.5 million contract from the US Army to develop a new modular pod for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, the company announced on 15 May.
The new pods will be compatible with both the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and MLRS M270 family of launchers, and will replace the depleting inventory of M26 rocket pods.
The modular pod is designed to allow for reloading of individual rocket tubes as they are expended, whereas the original GMLRS pods are discarded after use. The pod will be able to fire the GMLRS Unitary and Alternative Warhead variants, as well as the developmental Extended-Range GMLRS rockets and future rounds.
Ground testing will begin in the fall of 2019, with a planned flight test before the end of the year. The first deliveries of the new modular pod are anticipated in the fall of 2021.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain
Despite political and economic headwinds, companies are positioning themselves for current and upcoming Malaysian Army requirements. Shephard spoke with some of them at DSA 2026.
-
India’s high-altitude logistics drone push drives demand as BonV Aero launches Air Orca
The Indian Army's major drone procurement programme has drawn attention from BonV Aero which has launched its heavy-lift platform for extreme terrain missions.
-
SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability
The company's Multi Canister Launcher can deploy its Viper system from multiple military platforms, boosting operational flexibility.
-
Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance
Europe’s air defence debate is increasingly shaped by the blunt economics of the field. While high-value interceptor missiles can effectively shoot down cheap drones, doing so at scale presents cost challenges.