US Army missile procurement expansion

The US Army is expanding its munitions procurement and production strategies to bolster missile stocks. Initially, the Army set a target to procure 133,014 GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missiles by 2034 to replenish supplies used in Ukraine. This plan involves increasing production capacity by approximately 36 percent, with an annual production goal of 19,002 units between 2028 and 2034. To achieve this scale, the government intends to share technical specifications with multiple companies to move beyond the current sole producer, Lockheed Martin.

In a related procurement effort, the Army is also seeking to acquire up to 8,000 short-range missiles annually. These munitions, which must function in GPS-denied environments and under electronic interference, are intended for use by unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, and naval vessels. The Army is looking for systems similar to the Hellfire and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) to target armored vehicles, command posts, and maritime threats. Suppliers are expected to have production bases and networks established by the end of 2028.