Lockheed Martin Extends Invitation to Polish Companies for Collaboration in Rocket Launcher Manufacturing
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Lockheed Martin, an American defense giant, has offered a tantalizing opportunity to Poland's defense sector to team up in the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS). This collaboration is a significant piece of a broader strategic bond between Poland and the United States, focusing on the acquisition and local integration of cutting-edge artillery systems.
The proposed partnership will see the initial setup of GMLRS production at Mesko, a subsidiary of the Polish defense conglomerate PGZ, with kit sets arriving from the US as early as 2026. The details of this venture are being finalized under the Homar-A program, a joint initiative aiming to meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces with the phased introduction of GMLRS variants.
This offer comes on the heels of Poland's potential purchase of up to 486 launchers, a deal approved by the U.S. State Department, worth approximately $10 billion. While the executive agreement is yet to be inked following the formation of a new centrist government, Poland has already secured 20 HIMARS launchers in 2019 for around $414 million.
GMLRS, available in both unitary and alternative warhead variants, is a valuable asset, thanks to its 200-pound warhead and a range exceeding 70 kilometers. This partnership between Lockheed Martin and the Polish industry underscores the deepening defense ties and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The HIMARS system, developed by Lockheed Martin, has proven its strategic importance in modern warfare, particularly showcased by its use by Ukraine against Russian forces. As part of Poland's defense modernization efforts, this collaboration serves to bolster its defense posture amidst regional tensions and integrate more profoundly with NATO defense frameworks.
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- The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Poland’s defense industry for the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) is part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at both acquisition and domestic integration of advanced artillery systems.
- The framework agreement signed in September 2023 covers the assembly of 486 Homar-A vehicles in Poland, beginning deliveries in 2026. This initiative involves transferring technology to integrate HIMARS launchers with Polish-made Jelcz 663.45 6x6 truck chassis and incorporates the domestically developed Topaz battle management and communication systems.
- Lockheed Martin has significantly ramped up its production capacity to meet global demand, including for Poland. The company produced 96 HIMARS units in the last year alone and aims to double production rates to fulfill both domestic and allied contracts.
- Poland is concurrently pursuing a strategy to build sovereign missile production capabilities. It has partnered with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and its own WB Electronics for local production of guided missiles for its MLRS systems.
- Lockheed Martin's cooperation with Rheinmetall on Global Mobility Artillery System (GMARS) positions Poland within a wider European and transatlantic artillery modernization effort involving advanced rocket systems compatible or complementary with HIMARS.
- As part of Poland's defense modernization efforts, the government is considering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the management and communication systems of the Homar-A vehicles, which are being co-produced with Lockheed Martin under the Homar-A program.
- As tensions in space increase, both the Polish government and Lockheed Martin are exploring potential collaborations in the development of advanced weapon technologies, including the design of GMLRS rockets with extended ranges or improved guidance systems.
- To minimize the impact of potential labor unrest during the partnership with Lockheed Martin, the Polish government will invest in implementing automation and robotics technologies in the production lines of Mesko, the subsidiary responsible for GMLRS manufacturing, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient production process.
