US Army deploys improved M270A2 rocket launcher in NATO exercise for the first time.

On November 11, 2024, the US Department of Defense (US DoD) announced that the upgraded M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) made its international debut during NATO's Dynamic Front 25 exercise, held at the Ravajarvi Training Area in Rovaniemi, Finland. U.S. soldiers from the 41st Field Artillery Brigade operated the M270A2, firing it successfully to demonstrate its capabilities. The launcher is designed to engage various targets, including artillery concentrations, air defense units, and light armored vehicles, at longer ranges than previous systems. 
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The exercise emphasized the M270A2's ability to integrate into NATO’s multinational fire missions and contribute to the long-range precision fire strategy. (Picture source: US DoD)

The Dynamic Front 25 exercise, conducted from November 4 to 24, 2024, also took place in Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Romania. It demonstrated NATO's capability to share fire missions, target information, and operational graphics across a wide geographic area from the Arctic to the Black Sea. The event involved over 1,800 U.S. service members and 3,700 multinational personnel from 28 Allied and partner nations. The exercise aimed to improve interoperability, operational readiness, and the ability to integrate multinational units into a complex joint operational environment.

Dynamic Front 25 provided an opportunity to observe the M270A2’s updated features as part of the U.S. Army’s 2019 modernization program. The upgrades include the integration of the Common Fire Control System (CFCS), which enables compatibility with advanced munitions such as the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER-GMLRS). Additional enhancements include a 600-horsepower engine, an improved transmission, and reinforced cabin armor to increase crew protection. These updates aim to ensure the system’s operational effectiveness and service life through 2050. The U.S. Army plans to modernize 225 M270A1 units and refurbish 160 decommissioned M270A0 launchers to the A2 standard.

The first upgraded M270A2 launcher was delivered on July 9, 2022, by Lockheed Martin at its Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas, in partnership with the Red River Army Depot. The modernization is designed to improve the system’s mobility and precision capabilities, including its ability to relocate rapidly after firing to reduce susceptibility to counterattacks. The M270A2 is also transportable by C-17 and C-5 aircraft, allowing for flexible deployment.

The upgrades incorporated into the M270A2 aim to ensure that the system remains effective in addressing current and emerging threats. International operators such as Finland and the United Kingdom have also committed to upgrading their fleets. Finland plans to upgrade its 41 M270D1 launchers to the A2 standard. The United Kingdom is modernizing nine of its M270 units as part of a $32 million program, which is intended to increase its operational fleet to 85 by 2030.

The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) has been in service since 1983, primarily with the United States and various allied nations. Its first combat use occurred during the Gulf War, where it was employed for long-range artillery support. The system has been used in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, the Russo-Ukrainian War, and the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict.

The platform has undergone several upgrades, such as integrating GPS-guided GMLRS rockets and ATACMS missiles, allowing for improved range and precision. The M270 has been operated by NATO and non-NATO countries, including the UK, Germany, and Ukraine. It has been used for various roles, including counter-battery fire and precision engagement. Contributions from countries like the UK and Germany have supported its deployment in Ukraine, while other nations, such as Finland and France, continue to upgrade their systems to maintain operational capabilities.