General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) has been awarded a US Army contract to demonstrate a long-range manoeuvring projectile under the Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program.
“Our selection for the ERAP program reflects the strategic, sustained investments we have made to mature this critical technology and strengthen our manufacturing foundation. Over time we have expanded our production capacity, advanced our scaling innovations, and reinforced our readiness to design, qualify, produce, and deliver next‑generation munitions. This award confirms that GA‑EMS is ready to deliver extended‑range, precision capabilities that give the warfighter unmatched standoff range and lethality,” president of GA-EMS, Scott Forney, said.
The award funds flight demonstrations to validate a next‑generation, manoeuvring 155 mm projectile capable of achieving significantly greater ranges than current rounds while maintaining precision in GPS‑degraded or denied environments.
“Our projectile is engineered to provide extended range without rocket assist and remains compatible with legacy cannons and loaders. Its features include deployable wings and advanced redundant guidance systems. These capabilities provide agility and mission flexibility, supporting strike and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions,” vice president of GA-EMS Weapons Programs, Michael Rucker, stated.
The Army is targeting Initial Operational Capability by fiscal year 2030, and this effort positions GA‑EMS as a potential production source for advanced munitions that extend the reach of Army self‑propelled howitzers.
“General Atomics has always proven it can deliver the technology needed to keep our armed forces on the cutting edge. American service members need the best tools to face today’s threats. This is exactly the kind of investment that will equip them for that job. Thank you to the Army for saying yes to next-generations munitions and yes to Mississippi defense expertise,” Senator Roger Wicker affirmed.
GA‑EMS invested early to mature key technologies and reduce development risk ahead of the ERAP award, using experience from other advanced projectile programs to position the system for rapid progress within the Army‑led effort.
“This contract award strengthens our nation’s long-range precision fire capabilities while delivering real economic benefits to Mississippi. Investments like this grow high-skilled jobs, expand advance manufacturing capacity, and reinforce Mississippi’s critical role in equipping and supporting America’s warfighters," Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith explained.
The company continues to invest in and expand its advanced manufacturing infrastructure in Mississippi. According to the company, its Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo is designed to support surge capacity, incorporating automation, modular production processes and new materials to increase efficiency.