Defence Forces' heavy rocket launchers to be upgraded

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has approved the procurement of a life-cycle upgrade for the heavy rocket launcher system used in the Defence Forces.  The heavy rocket launchers were purchased in 2006-2014 from the Netherlands, the United States and Denmark.

With the life-cycle upgrade, the 41 rocket launchers in Finland will be upgraded to version M270A2. The upgrade will improve the rocket launcher platform, firearm component and fire control and, at the same time, rocket launchers will be overhauled so that they will be virtually new after the upgrading process.

This will extend the life-cycle of the heavy rocket launcher system well into the 2050s. The upgrade will also allow the use of future ammunition and the compatibility of payloads.

The invitation to tender for the procurement was discussed at the United States Congress, which granted a sales permit to Finland in August 2023.

Lockheed Martin that is based in the United States will carry out the work. The total price for the rocket launchers' upgrade, excluding value added tax, is approximately EUR 450 million.

Inquiries: Senior Ministerial Adviser Iikka Marttila, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 038, and Colonel Mika Holma, Inspector of Artillery, Army Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (switchboard of the Defence Forces).

Return to headlines