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
-
![Team LionStrike fleshes out UK Land Mobility Programme bid]()
Team LionStrike fleshes out UK Land Mobility Programme bid
At an industry press day this week, Shephard's Christopher Foss looked more closely at Team LionStrike's line-up.
-
![NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine]()
NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine remains a focus of procurement, concepts of operation, tactics and training for NATO countries. The Crystal Arrow Exercise in Latvia, ongoing until 15 May, is a reflection of this.
-
![SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?]()
SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?
At SAHA 2026, the Altay was proudly on display. But has the platform finally overcome the problems that have left it repeatedly late?
-
![AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage]()
AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming defence communications, boosting situational awareness and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities across the battlespace. Bittium’s new partnership with MarshallAI will significantly enhance networked technology, turning radios into cutting-edge sensors with a range of applications.
-
![Finding the balance between armour and air defence as UAVs proliferate]()
Finding the balance between armour and air defence as UAVs proliferate
While the growing drone threat has sharpened the focus on air defence solutions, Dr Peter Magill looks at why protected mobility remains crucial.
