Lockheed Martin has successfully completed a second flight test of its Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3), a cost-effective training rocket being developed to replace the US Army’s existing Low-Cost Reduced-Range Practice Rocket.
The current practice rocket is used by the US Army to train crews operating precision-fire systems, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). These training rounds support annual qualification exercises and pre-deployment preparations.
During the latest test at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Lockheed Martin fired multiple JR3 rockets from a HIMARS launcher. The demonstration evaluated the rocket’s range, flight trajectory, accuracy, and marking-payload performance.
The first JR3 flight test was conducted in September 2025. The program followed a July 2024 agreement under the US Army Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium to develop an improved practice rocket aligned with the Army’s evolving training and modernization requirements.
**Design and Training Advantages**
The new all-up training round incorporates a reusable launch pod capable of carrying 24 rockets, enabling crews to conduct high-volume live-fire exercises across different environmental conditions.
Built around proven rocket motor technology, the modular JR3 combines a low-cost propulsion system with an adaptable payload architecture to support affordable and repeatable training. Its reloadable launch tubes and reusable pods are intended to reduce per-round costs and minimize downtime between exercises.
The system is designed to enable HIMARS and M270 crews to conduct realistic live-fire drills while operating within restricted training ranges.
Another JR3 flight test is planned later this year to further assess and validate the system’s performance.
Beyond its role as a training solution, Lockheed Martin noted that the JR3’s modular architecture and rocket motor technology could support future applications. These could include the US Army’s Direct Support Fires Technology initiative, which is focused on developing affordable, mass-producible rockets compatible with existing launcher platforms.
