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
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
