MLRS - GMLRS Industrial MoA signed

Building upon their co-operation during the current development phase of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control-Dallas, Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG and MBDA (a formation of Matra BAe Dynamics, EADS Aerospatiale Matra Missiles and Alenia Marconi Systems missile activities) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at th Paris Air Show to establish an European Prime Contractor for the production phase of this transatlantic co-operation programme.

Lockheed Martin and Diehl have agreed to extend their Euro Rocket System (ERS) GmbH joint venture to incorporate MBDA as a third partner. ERS is a 50:50 joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Diehl under German law, responsible for the area of MLRS business in Europe. The extended ERS company will work with FiatAvio to establish an industrial team, representing all five co-operating countries. Further, broader industrial participation in production will be established within Europe.

The requirements for longer range rocket artillery have led the Governments of USA, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom to the co-operative development of GMLRS. GMLRS is a guided rocket with significantly increased range and accuracy. Lockheed Martin is the Prime Contractor for MLRS/GMLRS in the USA.

The European Prime Contractor aims to supply GMLRS into a large domestic and third party market beginning in 2005.

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