US Army awards $451 million contract to upgrade M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems

News, US May 12, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. Army awarded defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin a $451 million contract to upgrade M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will recapitalize additional M270 systems for the U.S. Army and global partners.

According to the Lockheed Martin statement, the contract follows an initial agreement issued in 2019, and subsequent contracts for recapitalization to support mission readiness through 2050.

Vice president of Precision Fires for Lockheed Martin, Jay Price said, “The procurement will bring additional precision fires capability to our global partners.”

He added, “The modernization effort will add additional capability to the combat-proven launcher and ensure the M270-series launcher remains highly effective, reliable, and interoperable with NATO forces for decades to come.”

The Lockheed Martin statement highlighted that “Recapitalization includes complete overhaul and upgrades to the systems with brand new engines, improved armored cabs and the new Common Fire Control System (CFCS) which will provide compatibility with current and future MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM).”

“Lockheed Martin’s next-generation Extended-Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) can only be fired by M270A2 and HIMARS launchers,” it added.

U.S. Army M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System — *^{U.S. Army’s M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

M270 MLRS

MLRS is a heavy-tracked mobile launcher that can fire Guided MLRS (GMLRS) rockets and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. It is transportable via C-17 and C-5 aircraft.

Produced by Lockheed Martin, the M270 is considered a smaller wheeled variant of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which has risen to fame during the Russia-Ukraine war for its accuracy and mobility.

It employs a shoot-and-scoot capability which enhances crew and platform survivability in high threat environments. M270 relies on a tracked chassis providing maximum mobility in any terrain. At present, the U.S. Army has more than 220 fielded M270 systems with more than 1.3 million accumulated operating hours.

The M270A2 is the upgraded variant of the M270A1 MLRS. It was introduced in 2019 and can fire GMLRS, Extended Range GMLRS rockets, Precision Strike Missiles, and the ATACMS.

*^{Multiple Launch Rocket System fires a GMLRS rocket. (Image Credit U.S. Army)}*

Last year in April, the U.S. Army also awarded Lockheed Martin a $194m production contract, including both domestic and international units of M270 launchers.

Lockheed is also working to recapitalize M270 systems for the U.S. Army, as well as the United Kingdom and Italy. Under the contract, the M270s will receive several upgrades including, new engines, new improved armored cabs, new CFCS, upgraded and rebuilt transmissions, and improved system components.