Lockheed Martin $362 Million Contract to Upgrade to M270A2 Configuration
Lockheed Martin announced on 23 April that it has been awarded a contract valued at $362 million (€325 million) to recapitalise 50 of the US Army’s M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers.
The army’s current recapitalisation effort will eventually encompass an upgrade of all its 225 M270A1 launchers, plus an additional 160 decommissioned M270A0s slated for de-militarisation, to the M270A2 configuration. The upgrade, which will be conducted in partnership with the Red River Army Depot, will see the units completely refurbished as ‘zero time’ launchers, with new engines and transmissions, Launcher-Loader Modules, Improved Armored Cabs and the new Common Fire Control System.
“This investment to upgrade the MLRS launcher fleet reflects our customers continued confidence in our ability to provide a combat-proven precision strike system from the ground up [….] These launchers will be returned to an ‘as-new’ condition and [will] serve our Army customer through 2050,” commented Vice President of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Gaylia Campbell.
The MLRS is a heavy tracked mobile launcher, transportable via C-17 and C-5 aircraft, that fires Guided MLRS (GMLRS) rockets and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. MLRS will also be able to fire the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and Extended-Range GMLRS rockets, both currently in development.
