The US State Department has approved Finland’s request for the purchase of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $535 million.
Finland’s request included a total of 150 GMLRS alternative warheads (AW), and 250 GMLRS unitary warheads.
The AW round is designed to service area targets without the effects of unexploded ordnance. It has a range exceeding 70 kilometers and delivers a 200-pound class fragmenting warhead. The unitary round integrates a 200-pound unitary warhead, providing precision strike for point targets at ranges of more than 70 kilometers.
With this potential purchase, Finland would increase its national stock, as its armed forces already operate the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems. Earlier this year, Finland also became the first official customer of the Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) munition currently being developed and tested.
“The increased national stock is critical to Finland’s defense and deterrence due to the deteriorated security situation in Europe,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said announcing the sale approval.
The principal contractor on the potential contract would be Lockheed Martin.
DSCA also noted that there is a request pending for the diversion of 50 percent of the Finnish buy from US defense department stocks. That final decision will determine which version GMLRS could potentially be procured.
