The UK and Italy will receive M270 MLRS upgraded to M270A2 configuration
4 May, 2023 M270 and M270A2 MLRS. Photos from open sources The Pentagon has ordered the modernization of the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System to the M270A2 configuration.
The U.S. Department of Defense stated this in the press release. Orders will be fulfilled for the US Army and in the interest of foreign customers.
Lockheed Martin Corp. was awarded a £194,121,470 contract to recapitalize the M270 multiple launch rocket systems. This is not the first order to update these MLRS. The corporation received the previous contract in June 2022.
The contract covers the supply of modernized M270A2 multiple launch rocket systems to the U.S. Army.
Lockheed Martin's M270A2 multiple launch rocket systems
Also, the Armed Forces of the UK and Italy will receive updated launchers as part of foreign military sales. Work on modernizing a certain number of MLRS is planned to be completed by September 30, 2027.
The M270 MLRS is a 227mm rocket launcher system produced by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. The self-propelled launcher is capable of firing standard projectiles at a maximum firing range of up to 84 km. It can also engage Lockheed Martin Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles with a maximum range of 300 km.
M270 MLRS.
Photo from open sources
The M270A2 MLRS gets a new 600-horsepower engine, a new transmission, launcher modules, and an improved armored cockpit that provides protection against small arms, projectile fragments, and improvised explosive devices. The updated launcher will also be equipped with a Common Fire Control System (CFCS).
ATACMS, PrSM, and GMLRS ER missiles for M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS.
Photo from open sources
These upgrades ensure compatibility with future munitions of the extended-range GMLRS family, i.e., GMLRS-ER (Extended Range Guided), which provides an increased range of up to 150 kilometers in all weather conditions. The M270A2 will also be able to use the new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).
M270 and M270A2 MLRS. Photos from open sources
The general layout of the M270A2 is very similar to the original M270 and is mounted on the same tracked chassis.
The cabin of the A2 version is higher and has reinforced armor to increase protection. The US Army received the first modernized M270A2 MLRS in July 2022. The M270 MLRS is in service with the United States Army and fourteen countries that have adopted or ordered this MLRS.
These are Bahrain, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.