In order to upgrade and improve its M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), leading global defense technology companyLockheed Martinwas awarded a $451 million contract by the U.S. Army onMay 8, 2024.
This new contract aims to keep these rocket launchers effective, useful, and practical for the U.S. and its international allies.
Lockheed Martin M270 Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems
The MLRS is a highly mobile artillery rocket system used by the U.S. Army and several other countries. It has been designed to launch surface-to-surface rockets andmissiles, and can carry two types of rockets: the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
These rockets can accurately deliver various payloads to targets at different ranges. The M270 sits atop a tracked chassis, making it highly mobile and quick on different terrains to swiftly get it exactly where it needs to be. A standard M270 launcher carries 12 rockets in two pods, and can fire them rapidly, too.
U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin Contract
The initial contract awarded to Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Army in 2019, and the subsequent contracts, relate to the upgrade and refurbishment of the MLRS in order to improve its capabilities, increase capacity, and extend its operational life.
These upgrades include new engines, better protection for the people inside the launcher, and a new control system so that the launchers can use newer and better missiles in the future.
Previous MLRS Upgrades
Over the years, the M270 has undergone various upgrades and improvements to ensure it remains effective on the battlefield. These include enhancements to its launch system, fire control, and integration with newer missile technologies.
The M270 is not only used by the U.S. Army but also by allied countries around the world. Its interoperability withNATOforces makes it a valuable asset for international military cooperation.
New $451 Contract to Upgrade M270 Launchers—Summary
The M270 MLRS is a versatile and powerful weapon system that provides long-range precision fire support for ground forces in various combat scenarios. The new contract highlights the importance of keeping these systems in tip-top condition.
The vice president of Precision Fires for Lockheed Martin, Jay Price, noted that the new funds will enable the company to modernize, upgrade, and add capacity to the M270-series launcher systems, ensuring they’ll remain effective and reliable for USA and NATO forces for decades.
Image Credit: Lockheed Martin
