US approves the sale of GMLRS shells to Finland for more than half a billion

The United States has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS).

This is said in the statement of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The estimated cost of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and related equipment is $535 million.

The Government of Finland has requested to buy one hundred fifty M30A1 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW), or M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Missile Pod, or a combination of both.

This request also included two hundred fifty M31A1 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) Warhead (Steel Case), or M31A2 GMLRS-U IMPS, or a combination of both.

In addition, the package includes a Quality Assurance Team (QAT); transportation services; and other related elements of program and logistics support.

The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Corp.

The statement reads that this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a trusted partner, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. Currently, Finland is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The purchase will strengthen the artillery capabilities of the Finnish armed forces. The new munitions will provide the functional capabilities of the M270D1 multiple launch rocket systems, which were acquired in 2006.

The M270D1 received a new fire control system that allows launching high-precision GPS-guided missiles of the GMLRS family and ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles. The upgrade package consists of a new computer, positioning device, GPS antenna, launch control unit, displays and remote controls.

The GMLRS is a family of American 227 mm guided missiles. These munitions are classified as high-precision. They have a target range of 15 to 84 kilometers.

The procurement of new guided missile munitions is part of Finland’s plan to ensure the suitability and performance of the M270 multiple launch rocket systems until the 2050s.