Finnish Army to Modernize its Fleet of M270 MLRS Rocket Launchers to M270A2 Standard.

Helsinki, Finland, December 24, 2023 – In a landmark move to bolster its military capabilities, the Finnish Ministry of Defense announced on December 22, 2023, that the Finnish Defense Forces will undertake a comprehensive upgrade of their M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). This decision will see all 41 units of the M270D1 MLRS, locally known as the 298 RsRakH 06, being refurbished to the more advanced M270A2 standard.
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Finnish Army M270D1 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System which is the Finnish variant of the American M270A1.  (Picture source Wikimedia)

The M270D1, which is the Finnish Army's variant of the American-made M270A1, incorporates the M142's Universal Fire Control System (UFCS). The upcoming upgrade will significantly enhance the rocket launcher's chassis, weapon section, and firing control systems. Moreover, the overhaul is so extensive that the rocket launchers will be akin to new units post-upgrade.

The M270A2 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) represents a significant upgrade to the earlier M270 variants, incorporating advanced technology to enhance its firepower, accuracy, and operational flexibility. The M270 platform, widely used by various military forces worldwide, is a self-propelled rocket artillery system capable of launching a variety of munitions, including rockets and missiles. The A2 variant stands out with its integration of modernized systems and components, ensuring it remains a formidable asset in modern warfare.

Key upgrades in the M270A2 include the implementation of a new Common Fire Control System (CFCS), which greatly improves targeting accuracy and allows for the integration of advanced munitions like the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The upgrade also features a more powerful 600hp engine and an improved transmission system, enhancing the vehicle's mobility and agility on the battlefield. Additionally, the M270A2 boasts improved cabin ballistic protection, ensuring better safety for the crew. These enhancements ensure that the M270A2 remains a critical element in long-range artillery capabilities, offering both strategic and tactical advantages.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has officially approved the acquisition for this life cycle upgrade of the heavy rocket launcher system, which forms a critical component of the Finnish Defense Forces' long-range capabilities. These heavy rocket launchers were initially acquired between 2006 and 2013 from the Netherlands, the United States, and Denmark.

"The life cycle update is crucial for ensuring the operational readiness and performance of our rocket launchers well into the 2050s. It not only enhances our current capabilities but also ensures our ammunition's future usability and international payload compatibility," stated Colonel Mika Holma, Artillery Inspector from the Army Staff.

The tender for this significant military acquisition was processed and approved by the US Congress in August 2023. The American defense contractor Lockheed Martin has been contracted to carry out the updates, with the total cost of the upgrade, excluding VAT, estimated to be around 450 million euros.

This strategic move by the Finnish Defense Forces reflects a commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced military posture, ensuring the nation's preparedness and defense capabilities for the future.

Defense News December 2023