U.S. Lockheed Martin To Modernize M270 MLRS for U.S. - Finland - Italy and UK to Boost Long-Range Firepower.

On May 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a major step in enhancing NATO's artillery capabilities by awarding a new contract to Lockheed Martin for the upgrade of existing M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to the advanced M270A2 configuration. This contract benefits not only the U.S. Army but also key allies including Finland, Italy, and the United Kingdom, reflecting a shared commitment to reinforcing long-range precision strike capabilities across Europe.
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U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, carry out simulated fire missions with the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System during platoon-level training for Exercise Joint Viking 25 in Setermoen, Norway, on March 4, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The U.S. M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), originally developed in the early 1980s, has long served as a reliable and versatile platform for delivering both area saturation and precision-guided rocket fire. Over time, however, operational demands and technological advancements made a comprehensive modernization essential. The M270A2 upgrade represents a full revitalization of the system, equipping it to meet the complex challenges of contemporary and future battlefields.

The upgraded M270A2 features several significant improvements. It is equipped with a new 600-horsepower engine and a rebuilt transmission, greatly enhancing mobility and mechanical reliability. The vehicle also benefits from the Improved Armored Cab, which offers greater protection for the crew against ballistic threats and improvised explosive devices. Central to the modernization is the integration of the Common Fire Control System, a digital fire control suite that enables the platform to operate with both existing and future long-range munitions. This system ensures full compatibility with the latest generation of precision weaponry and extends the operational life of the launcher well into the 2050s.

A key aspect of the M270A2’s value lies in its expanded munitions capability. It can launch several types of advanced rockets and missiles, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System with a range of up to 90 kilometers, and the Extended-Range variant which reaches 150 kilometers. Additionally, it remains compatible with the Army Tactical Missile System, offering a range of up to 300 kilometers for deep-strike missions. Looking ahead, the M270A2 is designed to deploy the upcoming Precision Strike Missile, which will initially reach targets up to 499 kilometers away, with future variants expected to surpass that range. These munitions provide a significant increase in destructive capability, allowing for precise engagement of high-value targets such as command posts, logistics hubs, and air defense systems.

The importance of such capabilities has been vividly demonstrated in the ongoing war in Ukraine. M270 systems and the lighter HIMARS launchers, donated by the United States, have enabled Ukrainian forces to carry out effective precision strikes against Russian military infrastructure far behind the front lines. These systems have proved instrumental in disrupting enemy supply chains and command structures, reshaping the role of artillery in modern warfare. The Ukraine conflict has reaffirmed that long-range, high-precision rocket artillery is no longer a niche asset but a strategic necessity.

For the NATO allies involved in the M270A2 upgrade, the benefits are clear. Finland, operating 41 M270s, enhances its ability to deter potential threats along its eastern borders. Italy, with 21 launchers, strengthens its readiness and its integration into NATO’s broader defense strategy. The United Kingdom, currently fielding 26 M270B1 units and aiming to expand to 44 launchers, improves both its operational depth and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.

This modernization initiative is not simply about upgrading hardware. It is about equipping NATO forces with the tools necessary to maintain a credible deterrent and, if needed, to deliver decisive long-range firepower in a high-intensity conflict. The M270A2, with its mobility, protection, and expanded strike capabilities, is poised to remain a critical element of NATO’s ground-based precision fire systems for decades to come.