KMW delivers first rocket launcher MARS II to German artillery school
In the presence of the vice president of the Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement, Reinhard Schütte, the artillery school in Idar Oberstein, Germany, received its first MARS II rocket launching system in the Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) edition. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) thereby delivered a fully modernised combat system with an increased combat efficacy just 2¼ years after the signing of the pre-series-contract in December 2008.
"With the rocket launcher MARS II and the guided artillery rocket GMLRS UNITARY we now have an efficient means with the necessary precision and outstanding range, which finally allows us to complete the tasks assigned to us under almost any condition and that with the desired effect," said Brigadier General Heribert Hupka, commander of the artillery school and General of the artillery troops in Germany.
More than 2.300 implemented new parts, 300 metres of integrated wiring per vehicle for a fully electric drive and a quality inspection covering more than 450 hours per launching system are not only stand for a guaranteed sustainability, but also ensure an unmatched functionality and targeting precision on missions. The rocket launcher MARS II with the guided artillery rocket GMLRS UNITARY thereby offers a device that combines highest precision and maximum range. With the delivery of the first rocket launcher the schooling will commence immediately at the artillery school. After the completion of final tests within the scope of a field test the system is due for compliance testing next month at the White Sands Missile Range in the southern USA.
The rocket launcher MARS is in service with the artillery troop for over 25 years now. Conceptualised and optimised for the combating of large surface area targets under cold war circumstances, it was adapted to the considerably changed requirements of current as well as future threat scenarios and subsequently upgraded. Today, it takes effect on targets faster and more accurately than ever before - and will be an efficient partner in general or functional gunfights in future conflict scenarios within the framework of network-centric warfare.
Source: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH
More from Land Warfare
-
US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS
The US Army plans to procure a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7Bv2 Shadow tactical UAV currently in service with the US Army's Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The FTUAS is being developed under the wider Future UAS (FUAS) programme.
-
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.