U.S. Company Lockheed Martin's manufacturing facilities are undergoing capacity expansion to support higher production rates. This will ensure rapid fulfillment of both domestic requirements and international orders through Foreign Military Sales programs.
According to
information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on August 14,
2025, U.S. Company Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, has been
awarded a $4,234,948,956 contract for the continued production of
Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions.
Contracts For Aug. 14, 2025
ARMY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a
$4,234,948,956 modification (P00013) to contract W31P4Q-23-D-0003 for
production of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System.
The total
cumulative face value of the contract is $13,265,440,935.
- Bids were
solicited via the internet with one received.
Work locations and funding
will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date
of Oct. 20, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama,
is the contracting activity.
This latest order is part of a broader multi-year agreement now reaching a total cumulative value of $13.26 billion (approximately 12.2 billion euros), highlighting the sustained importance of precision-guided rocket artillery in U.S. Army modernization efforts and joint allied operations.  |
| U.S. soldiers from 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade launch M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rockets from their M270A1 MLRS during the Thunder Cloud live-fire exercise at night in Andøya, Norway. (Picture source: U.S. DoD) |
Several variants GMLRS are currently in production and operational service.
- The GMLRS Unitary (M31A1/A2) carries a 90-kilogram high-explosive warhead with a programmable proximity, delay, or point-detonation fuse, optimized for precision strikes against structures, bunkers, or personnel in complex terrain.
- The GMLRS Alternative Warhead (AW, M30A1) replaces the controversial cluster munition payload with approximately 182,000 preformed tungsten fragments, designed for area effects against soft targets such as infantry and light vehicles, while remaining compliant with international treaties banning cluster munitions.
- An Extended Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) variant is currently entering production, featuring redesigned rocket motors and tail control surfaces to achieve ranges up to 150 kilometers, greatly enhancing the standoff capability of artillery units.
According to information published by Reuters on August 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense has unveiled the first architectural details of its Golden Dome missile defense system, a multi-layered national shield designed to protect the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
- Presented before an audience of 3,000 defense industry representatives in Huntsville, Alabama, the concept outlines a four-tier defense structure that combines a space-based detection layer with three ground-based interceptor layers.
- Backed strongly by the Trump administration, the project carries an estimated cost of $175 billion and is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2028.
The Golden Dome is expected to combine space-based sensors with layered ground interceptors, including NGI, THAAD, Aegis, and Patriot systems, to detect and neutralize ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles targeting the US homeland (Picture source : Army Recognition Edit)
Aug
14
On August 12, 2025, the Chinese channel CCTV released what it described as the first operational footage of the DF-100 (also designated CJ-100 or DF-100A) supersonic cruise missile. This documentary serves as a showcase in the Chinese military’s strategic messaging campaign, as visual documentation of the DF-100 has been extremely limited since its first appearance during the 2019 National Day military parade in Beijing.
Aug
14
According to information published by Reuters, on August 14, 2025, the Pakistani government officially announced the creation of a new missile-centric military command named the Army Rocket Force. The declaration was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a ceremony held in Islamabad to commemorate Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day and the recent May conflict with India.
Aug
14
On August 13, 2025, as reported by Loyal magazine, the Bundeswehr presented a detailed and ambitious plan to expand its unmanned aerial systems (UAS) inventory from just over 600 today to more than 8,000 by 2029. This represents one of the most significant capability build-ups in recent years for the German armed forces and marks a decisive shift in operational priorities.
Aug
14
On August 9, 2025, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Ørland Air Base, Norway, for Ally-led training operations as part of the latest Bomber Task Force Europe, as reported by the U.S. Air Force. This deployment takes place at a strategically sensitive moment, coinciding with the upcoming Russo-Belarusian Zapad 2025 exercise, which is expected to feature the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile, as reported by Army Recognition.
Aug
14
The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on August 13, 2025, the completion of the transfer of 17 V-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport aircraft of the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) to the newly established Camp Saga on the island of Kyushu. This operation, which began in early July with the departure of the first aircraft from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture, marks a key stage in enhancing rapid deployment capabilities to remote islands.
Aug
14
On August 13, 2025, Reuters, citing assessments by U.S. researchers and a Western security source, reported that Russia appears to be preparing to test a nuclear-powered, dual-propulsion cruise missile as President Vladimir Putin readies to meet his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump on Friday to discuss Ukraine.
Aug
14
Two export contracts worth a total of USD 80 million have been awarded to Kongsberg Defence Australia for the supply of missile launchers and command and control consoles to several European countries. Announced on 14 August 2025 by the Australian Government, these agreements involve deliveries to Poland, Spain, and Denmark.
Aug
14
On August 13, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially received five S-70i Black Hawk helicopters during an acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony held at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The event, presided over by Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, Commanding General of the PAF, marks another stage in the modernization program of the armed forces’ air assets. Read more.
Read full Defense news.
Aug
14
According to information published by the Czech Ministry of Defense on August 13, 2025, the Defense Board has approved an amendment to the framework agreement with Germany for the procurement of Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG. This decision enables the Czech Republic to formally join the German-led acquisition program, representing a major leap forward in its armored modernization plans.
Aug
14
On August 8, 2025, the Bundeswehr confirmed via its official website the firm order of 1,500 Wolf 2 off-road vehicles, with an option for up to 4,300 more under an existing framework agreement with Mercedes-Benz. This procurement marks the introduction of the Bundeswehr’s first serial-produced vehicle equipped for the Digitisation of Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) system, a step viewed as critical in modernizing its tactical mobility and communications.
Aug
14
On August 13, 2025, Reuters reported that the upcoming joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus, known as Zapad-2025, will include drills simulating the use of nuclear weapons and the Russian-made intermediate-range hypersonic Oreshnik missile. Announced by Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, the inclusion of such strategic systems comes just days before a scheduled meeting in Alaska between U.S.
Aug
14
On August 13, 2025, Poland formalized a landmark $3.8 billion defense agreement to modernize its fleet of 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ fighter jets to the advanced F-16V Block 72 configuration, as confirmed by the Polish Ministry of Defense. The deal marks one of the largest single upgrade programs for F-16s in Europe and comes as Warsaw accelerates its military modernization in response to the continuing war in Ukraine and heightened tensions with Russia.
Aug
13
From Africa to the Middle East and South Asia, China’s Wing Loong-2 (WL-2) unmanned aerial vehicle has become a consistent presence across multiple operational theatres. Developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, it is operated both by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and a range of foreign customers.
Aug
13
According to information published by DefenseScoop on August 8, 2025, Colonel Danielle Medaglia stated that the United States Army is preparing to roll out an internal procurement platform that will enable combat units to directly select and acquire unmanned aerial systems tailored to their mission needs. This “drone marketplace” will replace part of the traditional centralized acquisition process with a digital catalog of pre-approved systems from vetted U.S.
Aug
13
On August 8, 2025, Russia has set up a new Unmanned Aviation Control Center in Kamchatka as part of its Pacific Fleet, as reported by Kyiv Post and first published by Russian Izvestia. This development marks a significant step in strengthening monitoring and strike capabilities in the Arctic and Pacific regions near Russia’s borders. The move reflects Moscow’s focus on safeguarding strategic assets, including its Northern Sea Route and nuclear submarine bases, amid heightened regional tensions.
Golden Dome four-layer missile shield reflects the complexity of US aerial defense.
According to information pu
blished by Reuters on August 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense has unveiled the first architectural details of its Golden Dome missile defense system, a multi-layered national shield designed to protect the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
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