Image source: topwar.ru
The American Army received the first upgraded MLRS M270A2. The solemn ceremony of handing over the installation took place on July 7, 2022.
In total, the US Army ordered the modernization of 160 M270 units of the basic configuration to the M270A2 level. The modernization of the multiple launch rocket system is being carried out by Lockheed Martin under a 2017 contract. The upgraded version received an enlarged cabin with reinforced armor, an improved chassis and a new 600 hp engine. The most important thing is the new Common Fire Control System (CFCS), fully unified with the HIMARS MLRS.
As emphasized, the M270A2 MLRS can use all ammunition from the HIMARS MLRS, including the newly developed, as well as ATACMS tactical missiles. It is emphasized that the new launch module allows the use of new guided missiles ER GMLRS extended range, capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 150 km in any weather.
It should be noted that the ER GMLRS missiles can be part of the HIMARS MLRS armament supplied by the Americans to Ukraine, which allows the AFU to strike deep into the territory of the republics of Donbass and the liberated territories.
In addition to the modernization of 160 M270 MLRS, the US Army Command plans to carry out work on the modernization of 225 M270A1 installations to the M270A2 level. This will keep the MLRS data in service until 2050. As stated in the Pentagon, the 350-385 MLRS M270A2 and HIMARS should become the basis of rocket artillery of the Ground Forces (US Army) for the next decades.
