Finland approves acquisition of extended-range GMLRS rockets
GMLRS is a surface-to-surface artillery rocket. (Photo - Lockheed Martin)
Worth €70 million ($79.2 million), a new deal for Finland comprises GMLRS – Alternative Warhead (ER GMLRS-AW) and Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems – Unitary (ER GMLRS-U) rockets.
The Finnish MoD on 11 February announced its approval of a €70 million ($79.2 million) deal to buy ammunition for the Lockheed Martin Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS).
Deliveries are expected to start in 2025.
When officially signed, the deal will comprise Extended Range GMLRS - Alternative Warhead (ER GMLRS-AW) and
ER GMLRS - Unitary (ER GMLRS-U) rockets.
According to a press release from the Finnish Army, both ammunition typesm have a range of about 150km, which ‘significantly improves the performance of heavy rocket launchers and extends their range’.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the GMLRS is a surface-to-surface artillery rocket fired from the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. Currently, Finland is equipped with 22 units of the MLRS.
GMLRS rockets provide 24/7, all-weather precision fires to engage both area and point targets at short, medium and long ranges.
The FMS package was approved by the US State Department on 17 February 2021. The purchase is part of a Finnish plan to ensure the usability and performance of heavy rocket launchers by the 2050s.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)]()
Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)
As threats diversify and intensify, APS are proving essential not just for vehicle protection but also for enhancing operational freedom, effectiveness and mission success in contested environments.
-
![Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion]()
Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion
As the British Army seeks to modernise and consolidate its diverse vehicle fleet, yet another change in direction is underway.
-
![K9 rolls on as Egypt unveils systems, Australia fires and Vietnam and Norway place orders]()
K9 rolls on as Egypt unveils systems, Australia fires and Vietnam and Norway place orders
Hanwha Aerospace’s tracked K9 Thunder 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled howitzer has had notable success in the market over the past few years in Europe and Asia, with Poland alone ordering 316 systems.
