Lockheed Martin has announced an increase in the production of key equipment across its facilities in the US.
In particular, the company will focus on scaling up the production capacity of its Javelin, HIMARS, GMLRS, and PAC-3 MSE systems.
Lockheed Martin President Tim Cahill said that “by bringing advanced processes and tools to production lines, we are ensuring the delivery of capabilities that address emerging threats across all domains.”
With $67.6 billion in net sales last year, Lockheed Martin is a major American contractor working for institutions such as the US Department of Defense and NASA, as well as for the international market.
Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile System
The FGM-148 Javelin is an anti-tank guided missile system capable of guiding itself toward its target.
This medium-range weapon is light and compact, allowing a single soldier to operate it, and it has been used by US Marines and Special Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.
To meet the goal of producing 3,960 units annually by the end of 2026, Lockheed is setting up new testing station sites in Ocala, Florida, and Pike County, Alabama.
Recently, the company received a $100-million order for 350 FGM-148F Javelin missiles from Australia, while Bulgaria requested 218 units of the same model for an estimated $114 million.
Patriot PAC-3 Mobile Guided Missile System
The Patriot PAC-3 is a land-based, mobile guided missile system capable of countering incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonics, and aircraft.
This year, the company expects to surpass 500 units to be produced in its Arkansas facility, expanded in 2022 to boost production capabilities.
In June, Lockheed was awarded a $5.2-billion contract to supply the US Army with its PAC-3 missiles.
High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
The M142 HIMARS is a multiple rocket launcher system mounted to a 6×6 FMTV truck with long-range precision strike capabilities.
In February, Lockheed announced a 60 percent increase in its annual production of HIMARS.
In May, the US Army commissioned an additional $1 billion on its previous order of M142 HIMARS.
This year, the model was acquired by Germany, Romania, Norway, and Croatia.
Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)
The GMLRS is a go-to guided missile for precision strikes with a reported reliability rate of over 98 percent.
Lockheed produces two variants: the GMLRS, which hits up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) away, and the extended-range version, the ER GMLRS, which can reach over 150 kilometers (93 miles).
In August, the US Department of Defense awarded Lockheed a $3.4-billion contract for its GMLRS systems to be delivered by October 2027.
