The new capability will support the MLRS M270A2 and HIMARS Common Fire Control System. Insta and Lockheed Martin said the center will strengthen sustainment readiness for fire control systems used by Finland and other European operators.
The M270A2, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a tracked heavy rocket launcher system. In Finland, the MLRS is used by the Finnish Army’s artillery as a self-propelled heavy rocket launch system.
The maintenance and sustainment capability is part of the indirect industrial cooperation linked to Finland’s F-35 program. The Finnish Ministry of Defence said the arrangement deepens defense materiel cooperation between Finland and the United States.
“It is a testament to the strong expertise of our defence industry that Finland is the first European country to host an MLRS Common Fire Control System maintenance and service centre. The indirect industrial participation linked to the F-35 Programme will create new jobs and further increase the high technology expertise of the Finnish defence industry,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.
Lockheed Martin and Insta said the facility will strengthen national expertise, security of supply and system availability throughout the lifecycle of the capability. The new center is also intended to enhance regional sustainment readiness for M270A2 and HIMARS operators across Europe.
“This is an important milestone for Insta and a strong step forward in lifecycle support for critical defence systems. The center will support the sustainment of Finland’s MLRS fleet, strengthen security of supply, and create readiness to provide sustainment services to other European users,” says Petri Reiman, CEO of Insta Advance.
“Our partnership with Insta creates Europe’s first dedicated CFCS sustainment centre in Finland, expanding M270A2 and HIMARS support across the continent. The facility secures the supply chain, speeds logistics and technical services and ensures fire control system availability for Finnish and NATO users,” said Gaylia Campbell, Vice president and general manager for Tactical Missiles, Lockheed Martin.
For customers, the new capability is expected to improve system availability and strengthen continuity of operations. Lifecycle planning, spare parts support, obsolescence management and technical support are intended to reduce downtime and maintain operational readiness.
“Domestic maintenance and sustainment capabilities are essential to the Finnish Defence Forces’ operational capabilities. They ensure high system availability and support operational readiness in all conditions,” says Brigadier General (Eng.) Juha-Matti Ylitalo, Deputy Chief of Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command.
The agreement was made possible through a memorandum of understanding signed by Lockheed Martin and Insta last December during the roll-out ceremony of the first of Finland’s 64 F-35A fighters. The memorandum was aimed at deepening defense innovation and strengthening industrial resilience and capacity.
Insta is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces and is building long-term maintenance and lifecycle support capability for the avionics systems of Finland’s F-35 fleet. The new center marks a significant step in Insta’s European sustainment and lifecycle support business and further strengthens its role in supporting demanding defense systems.
The project also deepens international cooperation between Finland and allied nations. It positions Finland as the first European country to host an MLRS fire control system maintenance and sustainment center while reinforcing domestic support for critical rocket artillery capabilities.
