Finland Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen has approved a 70 million euro ($79.2 million) proposal to procure Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) ammunition from the US.
US defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin will likely begin deliveries to the Finnish military in 2025.
“The procurement from the United States will provide the Defence Forces with Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Alternative Warheads (ER GMLRS AW) for area targets and Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary (ER GMLRS UNITARY) ammunition for point target effect,” Finland’s Defense Ministry said in a statement confirming the approval on February 10.
The new rockets feature improved performance and a longer range of 150 kilometers (93.2 miles).
Finland began discussions concerning the procurement of the rockets in 2018. The Scandinavian country currently possesses 22 GMLRS units.
About the GMLRS
GMLRS is a surface-to-surface artillery rocket providing all-weather, round-the-clock precision strike capability for short, medium, and long-range targets.
In February 2021, the US State Department approved a $91.2 million deal with Finland for Extended Range GMLRS and related equipment. The deal included procurement of 25 ER GMLRS AW and 10 ER GMLRS UNITARY.