Lockheed Martin receives first order for GMLRS alternative warhead

DALLAS, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Global security manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin received its first contract for its new Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary (GMLRS).

The contract is part of a $227 million deal with the U.S. Army, and includes a U.S. government Foreign Military Sale of GMLRS rockets to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Other customers of previous versions of the rocket include France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., Japan, Jordan and Singapore.

The GMLRS is designed to operate under abnormal weather conditions, and is used to deliver accurate strikes on targets beyond the reach of conventional weapons. The Alternative Warhead specializes in delivering a punch with a lower risk of unexploded ordnance. This can give operators on the field more confidence the device will detonate when employed.

"GMLRS is a combat proven precision-strike system," vice president of Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control explained in a statement. "We are confident that the new GMLRS Alternative Warhead will also provide reliable, highly accurate capability for our domestic and international customers."

Other improvements to the system include an enhanced anti-jam and accuracy processor, a low cost and low risk program to greatly reduce collateral damage, and a one round, one kill capability.

Production will be carried out at Lockheed Martin's facility in Camden, Arkansas.