Finland to procure munition from US
Finnish Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö has given his approval to procure munitions for a heavy rocket launcher system from the US, it was announced on 8 February. The proposal was supported by Finland’s Cabinet Finance Committee.
The $78 million procurement will consist of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary munitions for precision fire and the GMLRS Alternative Warhead to engage area targets. Both the munitions will have a range of about 70km.
The munition will be manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the US and delivered in 2016-2018. The procurement will be as Foreign Military Sales from the US government. With the help of the new munitions, the Finnish defence forces will aim to improve the use of the GMLRS and achieve new long-range capabilities the statement said.
Lockheed Martin's MLRS family of munitions includes three rockets and four missiles with an additional six variants in development. The GMLRS system incorporates a GPS-aided intertial guidance package integrated on a rocket body. Small canards on the rocket nose provide basic manoeuvrability. GMLRS has a modular design that enables future growth.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December]()
US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December
The company recently announced a new US$95 million order for the Palletized Load System A2 under the FHTV V agreement.
-
![How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%]()
How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%
The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
-
![Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles]()
Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles
The PrSM missiles, known as Increment 1 weapon systems, will eventually replace the US Army’s Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
-
![US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years]()
US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years
The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office plans to deploy armoured and infantry platoon configurations around FY2027.
-
![Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs]()
Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs
Penske Australia will also carry out local assembly and testing of Allison X1100 series cross-drive transmission under licence using kits supplied by South Korea's SNT Dynamics.
-
![Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions]()
Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions
Swedish company showcases Arctic UGV test as it eyes NATO defence market expansion.
