Lockheed Martin has conducted a second test of its Joint Reduced Range Rocket, an affordable training rocket.
Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted a second test of its Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3), an affordable training rocket designed to replace the US Army’s existing Low-Cost Reduced-Range Practice Rocket.
During a flight test at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Lockheed Martin launched multiple JR3 rounds from a HIMARS to demonstrate their range, trajectory, accuracy, and marking-payload effects.
The first test took place in September 2025, following a July 2024 US Army Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium agreement to develop a practice rocket better suited to the army’s training and modernization needs.
Design and Training Benefits
The new all-up round features a 24-rocket reusable launch pod, allowing crews to conduct high-volume live-fire training under various environmental conditions.
Built on proven rocket motor technology, the modular JR3 combines a low-cost motor with an adaptable payload for affordable, repeatable training. Reloadable launch tubes and reusable pods further reduce per-round costs and downtime, allowing HIMARS and M270 crews to conduct realistic drills on constrained ranges.
“Our new training round offers a scalable, very affordable solution built on mature rocket motor technology,” Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets Vice President Dave Griser said.
“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 its performance.
Beyond training, Lockheed Martin said the JR3’s modular design and motor technology could be adapted for future programs, including the US Army’s Direct Support Fires Technology initiative, which seeks low-cost, mass-producible rockets compatible with existing launchers.
