The UK plans to upgrade and double its fleet of M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), Janes reported, citing a British Army official.
The plan includes acquiring second-hand M270 platforms currently in museums, or those kept as military gate guards, or in service with foreign nations, Army Technology reported.
MLRS Upgrade
The fleet expansion is part of the army’s Joint Future Effects Capability project, which seeks to upgrade the fleet of around 40 M270s for future challenges, the outlet added.
The five-year upgrade includes an improved armored cabin and automotive and launch mechanism components, enabling the Lockheed Martin platform to remain in service until 2050.
Extended Range by 2024
The upgrade will allow the system to fire the Extended-Range Guided MLRS and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), expected to be in service by 2024 and 2025, respectively.
The Extended-Range Guided MLRS has a range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), while the PrSM can strike at a distance of up to 499 kilometers (310 miles) from the current range of 80 kilometers (50 miles).
The UK plans to outfit the improved platform with indigenous parts such as composite rubber tracks, a vehicle camera, and radar system.
The first MLRS has already been sent for upgrade.
