Current fleet of 29 M270 MLRS to more than double in the coming years after the UK obtained old stock from operators around the world.
The British Army looks set complete a surge of M270 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in its inventory before the end of the decade, with the revelation that dozens of additional modernised launchers are being acquired to more than double the future fleet.
Currently, the British Army maintains 29 M270 MLRS platforms, which fire the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munition to provide long-range mobile fires capability out to distances of 70km.
It was reported in September 2022 that the UK was seeking to acquire additional launchers from allies, including mothballed vehicles in museums or acting as gate guards.
Additional 31 M270 MLRS launch vehicles have now been acquired for use by the British Army, recovered from various disposal activities as well as other nations’ fleets.
Included in those were MLRS launchers promised by Norway to the UK as part of a trilateral security package with Ukraine. The ex-Norwegian M270s are currently in storage in the UK before being sent to the US for an upgrade, likely to the A2 standard.
Speaking at the time, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said Norway had “agreed with the British that they will receive Norwegian weapons to be able to ship as part of their MLRS to Ukraine”.
The three Norwegian MLRS were known to require significant modernisation in order to bring them into an in-service state.
In addition, a further two risk reduction launchers are currently on the production line, and a total of 61 M270s are on order, with a further 15 M270 MLRS expected to go on contract in 2025 to meet the British Army’s requirements of 76 platforms.
It is expected that all UK M270 MLRS will be delivered by the end of 2029.