As part of the Future Artillery 2025 conference, which took place in London last week, it was confirmed that the U.S. is preparing to finalize the delivery in the near future of the first modernized M270 MLRS artillery system to the British Army. According to reports, this would take place later this year on U.S. soil, where both the upgrade work on the mentioned platforms and the training of British personnel in their use are being carried out.
Specifically, it was indicated that the units modernized by the U.S. will expand the capabilities of the original M270 MLRS through the installation of a new improved armored cabin, along with renewed components related to the launch mechanism and new mechanical elements that enhance the system’s mobility. With this set of requirements for the modernization of its platforms, the United Kingdom hopes to ensure they remain part of its artillery capabilities through to 2050, maintaining their status as systems capable of participating in modern combat.
Expanding on some details, it is worth highlighting that all this work will be carried out at the U.S. Army’s Red River Depot, as well as at Lockheed Martin facilities in the states of Texas and Arkansas. To carry out this work, more than 214 million dollars have been allocated from the U.S. through contracts awarded to the aforementioned company, with Finland and Italy also participating in the funding of the program; completion is scheduled for December 30, 2030.
According to official sources from the UK Ministry of Defence, the modernization program in question would encompass a total of 61 M270 systems, to which an additional 8 recovery vehicles must be added; all requested through the U.S. Department of Defense. Although no official confirmation has been made regarding any advancement in this regard, the UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Maria Eagle, also hinted at the possibility that this number could be expanded by another 15 MLRS systems and one more recovery vehicle.
Finally, it should be noted that in addition to defining investments aimed at modernizing the M270 MLRS launchers, the United Kingdom also plans to commit up to 800 million pounds over the next ten years to acquire new GMLRS and ER-GMLRS missiles; the specific number of munitions to be added to the British inventory remains unknown. In percentage terms, the UK’s contribution represents around 6% of the total value of the MLRS program.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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