US Army Awards $521 Million To Lockheed To Increase HIMARS Production

HIMARS' impact has not gone unnoticed. 

By anyone. JL 

Jen Judson reports in DefenseNews:

The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a deal worth $521 million to replenish U.S. stocks of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, which were supplied to Ukraine to beat back Russia’s invasion. The army is using multiple methods to accelerate  contracts that will replenish supplies heading to Ukraine.  “These awards demonstrate the significant impact GMLRS are having on the battlefield as a vital combat capability for our international partners.” Lockheed announced plans to increase its HIMARS and GMLRS production by 60%.

The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a deal worth $521 million to replenish U.S. stocks of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, which were supplied to Ukraine to beat back Russia’s invasion.

The service on Oct. 21 and Nov. 2 issued contracts funded by Congress’ supplemental a

“These awards demonstrate the significant impact GMLRS are having on the battlefield as a vital combat capability for our international partners,” William LaPlante, the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said in a Nov. 14 statement. “They are great examples of contracting approaches we are using to more rapidly accelerate award timelines and ultimately deliver capability.”

Last month, Army acquisition chief Doug Bush told Defense News the Army is using multiple methods to accelerate contracts that will replenish supplies heading to Ukraine. Bush said in the Nov. 14 statement the Army remains “committed to getting things on contract as quickly as possible to ensure our stocks are rapidly replenished.”

Lockheed Martin also won a $179 million contract earlier this fall to replace High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, that are also being sent to Ukraine, along with an order of GMLRS.As of October, the U.S. military has made roughly $3.4 billion in Ukraine-related contracting actions for arms and equipment.

Last month, Lockheed announced it plans to increase its HIMARS and GMLRS production by nearly 60%.

In September, Ukraine also announced its plan to buy 18 HIMARS, in addition to the 20 systems the U.S. has sent to the country.