The U.S. State Department has given the green light for a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland, which could see the Nordic nation upgrading its M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to the M270A2 variant.
The deal, potentially valued at $395 million, was announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which has formally notified Congress of the proposed transaction.
“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.”
The move is seen as an effort to bolster Finland’s defence capabilities in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The sale is justified by the U.S. as enhancing the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
Finland, the statement notes, will face no challenges in integrating the upgraded systems into its armed forces.
Key contractors involved in the potential deal include Lockheed Martin Inc., Chelton Inc., Leonardo DRS, and Loc Performance Products, Inc.
Slightly off-topic. I’m surprised that it hasn’t been mentioned that small Supacat trucks have been used to fire air-to-air missiles as SAMs in Ukraine.
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Hi Coll.
Some posters did cover it on an earlier article. Jonathan made the good point that it could mean we could set up quite quickly extra AD systems around our own installations if we needed to, as the missiles are ASRAAM, of which we have many in stock.
As DSTL are MoDs main scientific arm, we have the expertise, which is no doubt a good thing.
There’s an endless possibility of what they can do. In the early 2000s, there were trials to put artillery rockets on the back, but it went nowhere. Also, it could be light enough to be underslung on a Chinook.
Yes, I think it was LIMAWS? I thought it a great solution to augment the LGs of 7 RHA and 29RA, but someone much more knowledgable than me explained why it wasn’t such a good idea, forget who now.
The UK MOD would want all the bells and whistles on it taking away what was a good light fast unit .
Neat setup and good shared use of current inventory. Extra range at speed. Wonder if paired with a radar but that could be hush hush. Don’t really need to know. 😆 Will be interesting if it will be further developed for Boxer and could be mixed launched with Starstreak.
Just incase any country had forgotten how important artillery and rockets are ukraine has reminded them.
Having old systems in reserve also seems to be important.
Good for Finland. They are and have been the front line for a long time.
I posted this in another thread, see the highlighted text, we should be investing in MRLs and in greater numbers. Some more good news for the Polish armed forces. “The Polish 18th Mechanised Division is based on the US model, Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak said on 5 August during a visit to Siedlce, eastern Poland, where the formation is headquartered. Błaszczak said the division already has M1A1 Abrams tanks and expects it to receive Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) with a range of up to 300 km “soon”. The 18th Mechanised Division’s 18th Artillery Regiment, which will receive the MRLs, will… Read more »
Nigel.
GMLRS reportedly will increase to between 65 and 75, from the 30 odd we have now I think.
That is a big, big uplift right there. What it entails for the ORBAT I’m unsure, be that more Batteries or increase in launchers per Battery, as Wavell has yet to be published. 3 RA has already re equipped to MLRS.
Many thanks for the update Daniele it’s good to see the army planning ahead for the 2030s and beyond!
$395 million for a support package asnd “how to” manuals seems a large sum. But then the MoD paid £1 million each for bumble-bee sized drones for our SF, many posters here thought it was a bargain!
Hi David.
Which drones were they? I would have thought any micro drones used by UKSF would not get a public mention?
Magni-X micro-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from Elbit Systems UK. Admittedly a bit bigger than bumble bees at 8kg and only about £500,000 each.
Used for ISTAR on the frontline and deep into enemy territory.
Thanks David, I was unaware of those. 👍
Just looked them up. I’d be willing to bet those insect sizes UAV do exist, somewhere in the Black World.
Black Hornet nanos? We’ve had those for about ten years. They weigh 18g, around dragonfly size, and have been available to non SF forces. I recall them being eye-wateringly expensive, but not a million a pop. The Internet suggests $200K originally, but the reorder came in about five years ago at £60K each.
Someone told me they are very limited outdoors in windy conditions.
Yes, aware of them, the army had/has them. I’m thinking even tinier, literally insect sized.
These?
https://www.snopes.com/uploads/images/photos/technology/graphics/drone.jpg
Just a mock-up.
I believe dragonflies have been genetically modified to have light sensitive neurons on their back allowing them to be remote controlled by a small backpack like device which stimulates the neurons and also contains sensors.
Can’t find details on which groups were doing this and how successful they were.
Animal dynamics, a British company was also developing a dragonfly inspired drone, although I don’t know if they managed to get it to work.
Dragonflies are inherently stable and can fly in much higher winds than many other insects
Amazing tech, though I’m against all testing on animals myself, even a mere Dragonfly.
So I hope they’ve gone on and miniaturized them properly.
Oh, yes. Those are the milspec Black Hornets, made by Teledyne, not the larger Chinese toy version marketed under the same name that can be bought from £60 on ebay. If it takes 3 x AA batteries and is suitable for 12 years and up, that’s the toy.
The Expedition KY202 version does look like great fun though… and I am over 12!
Good Lord! Never seen that, thanks Jon.
They would be good for examining inside a property or office or a bunker or inside a passenger aircraft. They don’t have much range and too much masonry between the operator and the Black Hornet makes them difficult to control. They are not much good outside even in just a stiff breeze
Ideal I’d think for the Sqn on CRW rotation, no more optical probes under doors when you can literally be a fly on the wall.
But for how long!
https://metrosupplyco.com/1531-home_default/raid-wasp-hornet-killer.jpg
🤣
😆
The upgrade involves a lot more than that: The M270A2 upgrade program is carried out by Lockheed Martin in partnership with the Red River Army Depot. Upgrades include a new Common Fire Control System, allowing the M270A2 to employ future munitions like the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), further extending the M270’s reach. The upgrade overhauls M270s to “zero-time” state, with a new 600 horsepower engine and transmission, as well as improved launcher mechanical systems. M270A2s also receive a new and improved armored cab, increasing interior volume and adding new energy-absorbing seats to enhance protection… Read more »
That sounds like the upgrades planned by the British Army? I’d read of the new cab and of course, ability to fire precision munitions.
My understanding is that the British and Finnish upgrades are largely, if not completely, equivalent. Now, to remember in what article that was stated…🤔
Evening mate. Assume so.
Right way to go .🚀🚀🚀😀
I suspect Finland may have more fires per head of population than any other nation on earth…720 towed guns, 140 self propelled, 70 self propelled rocket, 1600 mortars….2500 fires for five million population….and an army that has no more that 40,000 active service personnel at any one time…..that’s a lot compared to the Uks 120 tower guns, 95ish self propelled guns, 44 rocket launchers and 500 mortars….they do love their fires the fins.
Plus around 1/3 of their population are active reservists. Just makes you wonder why the UK is so rubbish in this regard. But then having a neighbour who has invaded you country twice in the last century is a great incentive.
The the fins plans for war are what you call complete..essentially they have an almost universal mobilisation plan…with every organisation having its specific place in the defence plan..be that civil defence, medical, supply evacuation..everything has a planned wartime role…they can essentially also with an act of their parliament call up anyone who has ever served even if they are no longer in the active reservists lists…and those reservists have to undertake training over their lifetime in refresher courses and as they have universal conscription that is designed to train the body of reservists ( their conscription is not the sit… Read more »
Hyvää Suomi! Yes, the Winter War is in folk memory so that Finns take their duty for National Service rather seriously. Everyone has a role to play, and so a strong sense of shared purpose and practical nationalism results. It would be a very ignorant and foolish orc who tried to test Finland. The UK lost a lot when National Service was cancelled. Shared purpose, err, no. High firearms ownership and training but not the US gun crime problem as responsibly and diligence are Finnish attributes. About 1000 brown bears roam Finland and they greatly outnumber the hunters licenced to… Read more »
Imagine the outcry from the usual suspects at even the suggestion of establishing a civilian defensive Reserve capability in Britain – “Imperialist , Neo-Colonial, Non Inclusive, Divisive, Militarist” – the potential headline for The Guardian / BBC writes itself.
The UK has a very diverse multi cultural society, the majority of which would never swear allegiance to the King to protect the “realm”. Also in Scandinavia, it’s citizens are very well took care of, although at the expense of much higher taxes, so they are more willing to fight for their country. So yeah, even if the UK said they are expanding the army to 200,000, recruitment would be challenging. And yes people like Churchill and Thatcher are already being seen as Imperialist, colonial, and the majority of the new generation ethically diverse uk population want to distance themselves… Read more »
Churchill was imperialist even by the standards of the 1930s.
But no one even the military wants compulsory military service to return like it still is in Finland.
Geography and small population changes everything which is why Israel and Finland situation doesnt apply for UK
Oh dear, that jealous streak, with the froth of anger, are still visible in your rather frantic posts.
Calm down Mr Born. Since ww2 the UK has seen an erosion of its culture. It is now a land of diversity, ethnic minority becoming all powerful, and the NHS becoming exploited. Yes I am very jealous, enjoy your island ode man.
Oh dear, you cannot stop the anger and seething frustration. Its no one else’s fault you never passed the tests for the military, its OK, you can still maybe prove your manhood in other ways. But the anger, you do need to calm it down.
What invasion twice in last century ?
Certainly Winter war in 1939
was there another
The Continuation War 1941 to 1944, which was a Soviet victory of sorts.
The Finns were co- belligerents with the Nazis !
It still galls me to see them and their flag flying attending the WW2 allies commemorations
But at the moment of danger, your enemies enemy is your friend. Fickle politics but essential in the short term.
And the Lapland War 1944-45 when the Finns fought the Germans after an armistice with Stalin. What was the motivation there ? Who was friend and who was enemy then Historically when Russia won the territory of Finland from Sweden they added a large area of Russian terrritory especially around the SE to what was called the Grand Duchy, and this wasnt historically Finnish land I think from my history Stalin wanted it back for Britain the closest angle was Hong Kong which was a bona fide colony agreed to by China . Events 150 years later changed that and… Read more »
Anyone know how the upgrade of the UK’s MLRS’s are going? We must be near or at the front of the queue?