Finland Wants $100M Upgrade of MLRS Launchers

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Sept. 29 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland for the upgrade of (24) M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and associated parts, equipment, and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $100 million.

The Government of Finland has requested the sale for the upgrade of (24) M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to the Universal Fire Control System configuration, (1) M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary, (1) Army Tactical Missile System T2K, (36) Ruggedized Memory Units, (25) Interface devices, (8) M68 to M68A2 trainers, tools, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The estimated cost is $100 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a friendly nation that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

Finland will use this equipment to modernize its armed forces by expanding its existing architecture to counter threats from potential attacks. This will contribute to the Finnish military’s goal to update its capability while further enhancing interoperability among Finland, the U.S., and other allies. Finland, which already has M270 MLRS in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these upgraded systems.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Industries in Camden, Arkansas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately ten U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Finland for a period of up to one year for equipment de-processing/fielding, system checkout and training.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.