New GMARS Rocket Artillery System Successfully Completes Test
The United States is set to enhance its military capabilities with the recent successful test firing of the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS). This new rocket artillery system, developed by Rheinmetall in partnership with Lockheed Martin, completed its initial test on August 7, 2025, at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The GMARS is designed to operate with a shoot-and-scoot capability, allowing it to launch its payload and relocate quickly. This feature significantly reduces the risk of enemy counter-artillery systems tracking and targeting the unit after it fires. The effectiveness of rocket artillery has been prominently displayed in recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where systems like the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) have demonstrated their tactical advantages.
During the test, the GMARS successfully fired rocket missiles, marking a critical milestone in its development. “We are thrilled to have achieved this major milestone in the GMARS program,” said Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Europe. He emphasized the system’s precision and reliability, indicating that it is well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of military operations.
While specific performance metrics from the test remain undisclosed, Rheinmetall has indicated that the GMARS is capable of conducting fire support missions up to 400 kilometers, or approximately 250 miles. If this capability is confirmed, the GMARS will surpass the range of the existing MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) by more than 50 miles, significantly enhancing both American and NATO firepower.
Paula Hartley, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Missiles, reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering innovative military solutions. She stated, “The GMARS program is a prime example of this commitment, and we are pleased to have successfully demonstrated its capability in this live fire exercise.”
The GMARS system is designed to be operated by a crew of two, with the option to include an additional crew member for enhanced operational efficiency. One of its key advantages is compatibility with munitions used in the M142 HIMARS and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), facilitating a smoother integration process for military forces already familiar with these systems.
In terms of payload, the GMARS can carry two pods with varying armaments. It is capable of holding up to 12 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), four Precision Strike Missile (PRSM) short-range ballistic missiles, or two MGM-140 ATACMS. Furthermore, it can incorporate munitions and platforms developed by NATO nations, showcasing its versatility in coalition operations.
The role of rocket artillery in modern warfare has been underscored by recent conflicts, especially in the ongoing fighting between Ukraine and Russia, where both sides have effectively utilized such systems for long-range fire missions. The introduction of the GMARS could not only enhance the United States’ military capability but also strengthen NATO’s collective defense posture.
With the successful test of the GMARS, both Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin are poised to move forward in the qualification and market introduction of this advanced artillery system. The operational readiness of the GMARS could mark a significant shift in land warfare dynamics, particularly in the context of NATO’s strategic objectives.
