A significant proportion of upgraded Multiple Launch Rocket System launchers are now back in the United Kingdom and are being fielded or reintroduced into the modernised fleet, with specific numbers and delivery dates withheld on operational security grounds, according to an answer given in Parliament.
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative member for Huntingdon, asked what the projected delivery date is of the upgraded MLRS launchers to the modernised fleet, following an answer given on 17 September.
Luke Pollard, the Minister of State for Defence, said: “A significant proportion of upgraded Multiple Launch Rocket System launchers are now back with the UK, and are being fielded or reintroduced back into the modernised fleet. It would be inappropriate for me to confirm specific numbers or delivery dates, as doing so could compromise operational security.”
The upgrade takes the British M270B1 launchers through Lockheed Martin’s line to the M270A2 standard, fitting a new improved armoured cab, a common fire control system and an upgraded launcher loader module, and extending the vehicle’s service life into the 2050s. The conversion work is carried out in the United States, so each launcher leaves the country and returns.
Britain is recapitalising the M270 fleet and has expanded it beyond the original holding, with this publication reporting when the final batch of launchers was funded and when deliveries and ammunition replenishment began. The launchers equip 26 Regiment Royal Artillery and the rocket artillery element of the deep fires force.
Wow, does that mean that the only artillery we have had of late was 1 Regt of light guns and 12 Archer?
Yes. btw Hamas and Heezbollah had more rocket artillery than British Army and most probably all of other Euro NATO countries with maybe exception of Poland.
We have 100 155s but they are in storage.
?
What 155s?
AS90? FH70?
Where are they mate?
The article needs to add 4 RA, which converted to MLRS a few years ago.
And it was widely reported that a third Regiment may reform, 39RA, but that’s not happened it seems.
Are you sure about 4 RA? I thought it still had the L118 Light Gun. You are possibly thinking of 3 RHA? It was confirmed a few months ago that 39 RA will reform equipped with the M270A2, joining the new 9 Deep Recce Strike Brigade to provide its essential deep fire capability.
Ach! Shame on me, yes, wrong Regiment!
Shocked I named the wrong Regiment! Yes, 4 RA supports 7 Bde with Light Gun.
3 RHA is now with the “new” 1 DRSB.
As for 39RA, I too knew of that. I sent a FOIA to the MoD on 39, and on 9 DRSB.
9 DRSB has zero units as when I relieved their reply, and 39 RA hadn’t yet formed.
The third regiment is I think the reserve one , 101(?), headquartered in Newcastle.
Good news, but is the DRSB the correct formation to use? The concept is more to do with fitting remaining units into an ORBAT rather than forming an ORBAT and getting the correct platforms?