Lockheed Martin completes second successful JR3 rocket test, aiming to cut costs and boost Army readiness

DALLAS, Aug. 28, 2026 — Lockheed Martin conducted a second successful flight test of its Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3), an affordable training round paired with a reusable launch pod intended to replace the current Reduced Range Practice Rocket for the U.S. Army and international partners.

During the event at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the company launched multiple training rounds to demonstrate range, trajectory, accuracy and marking payload effects. The test included JR3 rounds fired from a HIMARS launcher.

JR3 is designed for both HIMARS and M270, featuring a new all-up round and a 24-rocket launch pod to support launcher crew training across varied environmental conditions and enable high-volume live fires. The modular system is built on mature rocket motor technology with a low-cost motor and adaptable payload to support repeatable, cost-effective training cycles.

The company highlights the potential for higher training volume on constrained ranges, day or night, across multiple locations, as well as lower expense per round through reloadable launch tubes and reusable pods.

“Our new training round offers a scalable, very affordable solution built on mature rocket motor technology,” said Dave Griser, vice president, Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets. “With a 24-round rocket launch pod, our JR3 system meets the Army’s demand for higher training volume and lower cost without sacrificing performance.”

Another JR3 flight test is planned later this year to further validate performance. The architecture and technology are described as transferable to future evolutionary efforts such as the Army’s Direct Support Fires Technology initiative for mass produced low-cost, direct-fire rockets.