Lockheed Martin awarded $194million contract to upgrade M270 MLRS to standard M270A2.

Grand Prairie, Texas, United States, April 29, 2023 - Lockheed Martin Corp. has been awarded a $194,121,470 hybrid contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to upgrade Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to the advanced M270A2 configuration. The contract includes both cost-plus-fixed-fee and fixed-price-incentive components.
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Upgraded M270 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System to standard M270A2. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The defense giant received the contract after bids were solicited via the Internet, with Lockheed Martin emerging as the sole recipient. Work on the project will be carried out in three locations, including Camden, Arkansas; Grand Prairie, Texas; and New Boston, Texas. The estimated completion date for the project is September 30, 2027.

The contract is funded by a combination of sources, including fiscal 2023 missile procurement funds for the Army, fiscal 2022 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds for the United Kingdom, and fiscal 2023 FMS funds for Italy. The total amount of $194,121,470 was obligated at the time of the award.

The M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is an upgraded version of the widely-used M270 MLRS, a self-propelled rocket artillery system developed by the United States and its NATO partners. The M270A2 brings several improvements and enhancements to the original system, ensuring its continued effectiveness on the battlefield.

One of the key features of the M270A2 is its improved fire control system, which enables faster and more accurate targeting, as well as better coordination with other units on the battlefield. The upgraded MLRS also comes with enhanced communication systems, allowing for seamless integration with other military assets and command structures. This, in turn, enables better situational awareness and the ability to adapt to changing battlefield conditions more quickly.

The M270A2 is equipped with a new launcher module and is able to fire the ER GMLRS (Extended Range Guided) rockets which are a new developmental variation of the Guided MLRS family, ER GMLRS offers an extended range out to 150 kilometers in all weather conditions. ER GMLRS shares significant commonality with legacy Guided MLRS and is deployable by HIMARS and the MLRS M270 family of launchers. The rounds incorporate a larger motor and have enhanced maneuverability due to tail-driven control.

Lockheed Martin has long been a leading supplier of advanced military technology and equipment. This new contract further solidifies its position as a crucial partner for the defense sector, both domestically and internationally.