Finland – M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Upgrade
WASHINGTON, August 1, 2023 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland of a M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) upgrade and related equipment for an estimated cost of $395 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of 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; battle management system vehicle integration kit; publications for MLRS; spares; services; support equipment; and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated total cost is $395 million.
Upgrade of the MLRS fleet to ensure long-range fires capacity
The total of the Army MLRS fleet (41 pieces) will be upgraded to the new version of M270A2. The upgrade will improve the MLRS frame, gun mounts and fire control and battle management system. The upgrade will include modifications that modernise the MLRS fleet.
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has approved the procurement of the life-cycle upgrade for the MLRS fleet operational in the Finnish Defence Forces. The initial MLRS procurements were made for the Finnish Defence Forces from the Netherlands, the U.S.A. and Denmark in 2006-2013.
In August 2023, the U.S. Congress granted the authorisation for the sales to Finland.
The upgrade will be implemented by the U.S Lockheed Martin. The total value of the MLRS fleet upgrade, without value added tax, will be EUR 450 million.
Patria has maintained its strong expertise in field gun manufacture
Patria has a solution to improve mobility
Patria has sought to hold on to the expertise it has gained over the decades. This has been supported by Patria’s long experience in designing and manufacturing mortars.
Patria’s current range includes the industry-leading Patria NEMO mortar system. The mortar is breech-loaded and shares structural elements with guns.
– Patria has the capability to restart gun production in a relatively short period of time, if this is desired, says Pekka Ruutu.
Patria has long experience in integrating a variety of weapon systems into different vehicle platforms, including field gun integration. Guns are installed on vehicles such as the Sisu 8×8 off-road truck used by the Finnish Defence Forces.
– A field gun integrated into the vehicle’s platform is a mobile and versatile unit. In addition to land forces, it can also be deployed to enhance coastal defence capabilities.
Ruutu emphasises that mobility is vital to artillery in modern warfare, as drones and other technological advances have made the battlefield more transparent.
– Instead of concealment, the key to safeguarding the survival of artillery in this challenging environment is to ensure speed in moving the gun to the firing position, firing and then leaving the position.
Patria is currently actively developing and testing a field gun integrated into a wheeled vehicle.
