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
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
