The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland of an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) upgrade and related equipment, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency announced on 1 August 2023.
The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 395 M (EUR 360 M), has been forwarded to the US Congress for final approval
Finland has requested to buy the M270A2 upgrade for its M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). The upgrade will include: intercom systems; radio communication mounts; machine gun mounts; a battle management system vehicle integration kit; MLRS publications; spares; services; support equipment; and other related elements of programme and logistics support.
The Finnish Defence Forces operate 41 M270 MLRSs: 22 obtained from the Netherlands in 2007, 12 from Denmark in 2014 and six from the United States in 2014. These have already been upgraded to M270D1 standard, but upgrading them to M270A2 standard will allow them to fire Precision Strike Missiles.
The principal contractors for the Finnish M270 upgrade would be Lockheed Martin supported by Chelton, Leonardo DRS and Loc Performance Products.
Peter Felstead
