February 15, 2026
Following their initial use on HIMARS, ER GMLRS rockets with alternative warheads have now been fired from the M270A2
Lockheed Martin announced the successful testing of its ER GMLRS (Extended-range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) from the M270A2 rocket system, which can hold 12 such rockets.
The launches were reportedly carried out at a distance of 112 km during the tests. This is the first recorded launch of an ER GMLRS rocket with an alternative warhead from the M270A2. The warhead contains striking elements consisting of roughly 180,000 tungsten carbide balls.
The achievement comes after successful January tests and completes qualification testing for this variant of the system. This likely refers to tests conducted late in the month, when ER GMLRS rockets with alternative warheads were fired from a HIMARS system at a range of over 100 km.
During testing, the ER GMLRS was not fired to its maximum range of 150 km, which is almost twice the range of the standard GMLRS. It should also be recalled that production of ER GMLRS began back in 2024.
Against this backdrop, while the U.S. is already mass-producing ER GMLRS missiles and testing multiple warhead options, russia is making a renewed push to sell its Sarma MLRS abroad.
It was demonstrated at the WDS 2026 exhibition held in Saudi Arabia earlier this month. russians describe this MLRS as “the best HIMARS analog,” although its currently confirmed maximum range is around 120 km.
russians describe this MLRS as “the best HIMARS analog,”
Where have heard this before?
Everytime they try to copy something.