Second test for modernised TACMS
Lockheed Martin’s modernised Tactical Missile System (TACMS) has undertaken a second test flight at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the company announced on 12 December.
The test saw the modernised TACMS launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. The missile engaged and destroyed a target approximately 85km away. The testing demonstrated the missile's proximity sensor height of burst enhancement, which allows the system to deliver increased lethality against imprecisely located targets.
The missile is being modernised under the army’s TACMS Service Life Extension Program inventory refurbishment effort, with updated guidance electronics and added capability to defeat area targets without leaving behind unexploded ordnance. Lockheed Martin is carrying out the modernisation under a $74 million contract signed with the US Army in 2014.
The modernisation process disassembles and demilitarises previous-generation submunition warheads that do not comply with the international Convention on Cluster Munitions, replacing them with new unitary warheads; and resets the missile’s 10+ year shelf life.
Five more flight tests are planned in coming months for the modernised TACMS programme.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale]()
World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale
Shephard sat down with Hanwha Middle East and Africa president Sung Il at World Defense Show 2026 to hear about the company’s plans for the region and how it plans to use local industry success to win deals.
-
![Estonia builds Asia-Pacific links as it looks to scale defence industry capabilities]()
Estonia builds Asia-Pacific links as it looks to scale defence industry capabilities
Collaboration between Estonian defence companies and well-aligned firms in Asia-Pacific will form a key part of Tallinn’s ambitions to significantly grow its defence industrial base.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: DOK-ING working on MV-8 variants and reveals specs ahead of Eurosatory]()
World Defense Show 2026: DOK-ING working on MV-8 variants and reveals specs ahead of Eurosatory
The Croatian company began the development of the MV-8 modular uncrewed platform in the early 2020s. Specifications for the vehicle were revealed to Shephard at World Defense Show 2026.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Turkish and European industries will cooperate, says Aselsan boss]()
World Defense Show 2026: Turkish and European industries will cooperate, says Aselsan boss
Aselsan was formed 50 years ago in response to difficulties Turkey was facing in sourcing major systems internationally. While some challenges still remain, company president Ahmet Akyol believes a rapprochement is possible.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: MARSS displays new Nation Shield air defence C2 system]()
World Defense Show 2026: MARSS displays new Nation Shield air defence C2 system
Nation Shield is the latest iteration of the MARSS C2 system and is designed to provide C2 further forward along with more capable air defence.
