Finland requests US weapons
Finland has requested Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) M31A1 Unitary and GMLRS M30A1 Alternative Warhead Rockets in pods from the US government under the foreign military sales (FMS) route, it was announced on 9 November.
Finland is seeking the equipment to strengthen and secure its national borders, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. If it goes ahead the sale will be valued at approximately $150 million.
In total the Finnish government has requested forty Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Pods, including 15 pods of M31A1 Unitary Missiles (six missiles per pod for a total of 90 missiles) and 25 pods of M30A1Alternative Warhead Missiles (six missiles per pod for a total of 150 missiles).
Associated equipment, parts and logistical support will also form part of the package if it goes ahead, including publications, personnel training and training equipment, software development, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and programme support.
The prime contractor for the work will be Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control if the FMS is cleared.
More from Land Warfare
-
Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
-
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
-
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
-
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.