UK seeks to augment its deep fires capability
British Army M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System in action. (Photo: British Army/Crown Copyright)
M270 MLRS launchers will be upgraded from March 2022 with new components, and new missiles will follow in 2024-2025.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will upgrade M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers in service with the British Army.
The upgrade of 44 launchers is part of a broader five-year MLRS overhaul contract between Lockheed Martin and the US DoD.
Work will begin in March 2022 to keep the equipment in service with the British Army until 2050.
New features will include a new armoured cab and upgraded automotive and launch mechanism components, as well as UK-specific features such as composite rubber tracks, a vehicle camera and a radar system.
Finland, Italy, the UK and the US are also developing a new fire-control system for the M270.
New weapons will be available once the upgrade is completed. The M270 will be able to fire the Guided MLRS Extended Range (GMLRS-ER) missile from 2025. According to Shephard Defence Insight, this missile has a range of 150km compared to 84km with the legacy GMLRS.
All 44 updated launchers will also be capable of firing the US-made Precision Strike Missile, which has a range of 499km and is expected to enter service with the British Army in 2024.
‘These weapons will place the British Army at the cutting edge of global deep fires capability, ready to respond to long-range air defence and missile threats presented by hostile actors,’ the army announced on its website.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum]()
Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum
As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
-
![Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows]()
Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows
The procurement and planned procurement of articulated tracked all-terrain vehicles is being driven by a need to replace older platforms and an acknowledgement of a capability gap for Arctic regions.
-
![Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier]()
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
