Lockheed Martin secures $214 million deal to continue the upgrade of M270 MLRS systems

By Defence Industry Europe

On 23 May, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed it had signed a $214.4 million agreement with Lockheed Martin to continue upgrading the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) to the latest A2 configuration. The modernisation project, fully funded at the time of signing, will run through to the end of 2030.

 

The contract is supported not only by the U.S. but also by key international partners—namely the United Kingdom, Italy, and Finland. While London and Rome have been steadily advancing their M270 fleets for years, Helsinki joined the programme only in early 2024.

Finland is believed to operate 40 or 41 of these tracked rocket launchers, 22 of which were purchased second-hand from the Netherlands. These launchers are now slated for significant enhancements under the new deal.

 

 

Upgrades to the M270A2 standard will include revamped propulsion systems and newly designed crew cabins fitted with blast-absorbing seats and improved ergonomic layouts. A central feature of the overhaul is the integration of the Common Fire Control System (CFCS), enabling compatibility with next-generation munitions.

This multinational effort reflects the growing emphasis on interoperability and battlefield resilience among NATO allies and partners. By advancing to the A2 standard, the M270 platform is being readied for the challenges of modern and future warfare.

 

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