Upgraded MLRS set for Finland after US State Department approves $395 million deal
Finland's MLRS are to be upgraded with GPS guidance. (Photo: Finnish Army)
The US State Department has approved the potential sale of a M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) upgrade to Finland, enhancing the country's capability and strengthening NATO alliance. The estimated cost is $395 million.
The upgrade includes intercom systems, radio communication mounts, machine gun mounts, battle management system vehicle integration and other related elements of programme and logistics support.
In May 2011, Lockheed Martin received a $45.3 million contract to upgrade 22 Finnish MLRS, incorporating the universal fire control system and other enhancements. The upgrade enabled the launchers to fire precision GPS-guided munitions for the first time.
Finland’s MLRS were purchased from the Netherlands in 2007, and the country also has training systems.
Related Articles
Lockheed Martin receives $45.3m contract from Finland
Finland approves acquisition of extended-range GMLRS rockets
Finland must apply to join NATO ‘without delay’, say president and prime minister
More than a thousand remain in service, primarily with US forces but also with many NATO countries as well as Israel, South Korea and Bahrain. Systems have also been provided to Ukraine for its war against Russia.
The weapons are seen as vital in the current political environment for Finland, one of NATO'S newest members.
Originally conceived as a saturation weapon when developed in the late-1970s and early 1980s, the addition of GPS guidance has made the weapon more effective.
The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin, Marlow in the UK, Leonardo DRS in Virginia, US, and Loc Performance Products in Michigan, US.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs]()
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
