2016
The Defence Forces to procure munition for heavy rocket launchers (MLRS)
Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö has approved a proposal to procure munition for a heavy rocket launcher system from the United States. At its session on 4.2.2016, the Cabinet Finance Committee supported the proposal.
The procurement will be conducted as Foreign Military Sales from the United States government and it will consist of munition both for a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Alternative Warhead (GMLRS AW) to engage area targets and for a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary (GMLRS UNITARY) for precision fire. The overall value of the procurement is EUR 70 million which is included in the financial frame of the Defence Forces. Manufactured by Lockhead Martin in the United States, the munition will be delivered in 2016-2018.
By procuring new guided munition, the Defence Forces will achieve new long-range capability, a more effective use of the heavy rocket launcher system which was procured in 2006 and the range of munition will be more diversified. The procurement will, for its part, replace the capability deficit which was caused by the decision to give up anti-personnel landmines in accordance with the Ottawa Convention.
The Fire Control System of the Finnish MLRS was upgraded in 2012-15 and this enables the launchers to fire guided munitions. Alternative warhead munition spreads fragments above the target while the effect of the GMLRS UNITARY is based on explosive and pressure impacts. The range of both type of munitions is about 70 km.
For more information on the procurement, please contact Governmental Counsellor Jouko Tuloisela at the Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 412 or Inspector of the Artillery Colonel Pasi Pasivirta at the Army Command, tel. +358 299 800 (switchboard).