US seeks manufacturer for guided rocket systems

The US is seeking manufacturers with the capacity to produce over 19,000 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) a year for the country’s army between 2028-2034.  

A sources sought notice, published on 17 August by the US Department of War via the Sam.gov procurement portal, specifically aims to identify manufacturers that can produce Unitary, Alternative Warhead, and Extended Range GMLRS rockets.  

As outlined by the Department of War, the Unitary GMLRS rocket is used for “precision strikes with minimal collateral damage” and can carry an approximately 90kg payload. Meanwhile, the Alternative Warhead GMLRS rocket can deliver an approximately 90kg fragmenting payload to strike specific areas in compliance with “current cluster munition policies”.

Both the Unitary and Alternative Warhead rockets can travel distances exceeding 70km.  

The Extended Range GMLRS rocket has a range of up to 150km and can carry either a Unitary or Alternative Warhead payload.  

The notice comes amid the ongoing provision of GMLRS rockets from the US to Ukraine, having first begun in 2022.  

How many rockets does the US require?  

Manufacturers responding to the notice should be able to produce up to 19,002 GMLRS rockets a year, for a total of 133,014 rockets between 2028 to 2034.   

While production would begin from 2028, initial deliveries would be expected from February 2030.  

Aside from the production of rockets, the manufacturer must also be capable of “tooling, engineering change proposals, and supporting activities”.  

The US Department of War emphasises that the notice is not a request for proposal and should not be viewed as a solicitation. 

Responses are due by 1 September.