M270 MLRS

The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is an American armored self-propelled artillery platform designed to address Soviet advantages in rocket artillery observed during the 1970s. Following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the U.S. Army sought a system capable of suppressing enemy air defenses and providing counter-battery fire to support ground forces. Originally designated the General Support Rocket System (GSRS) in 1975, the program transitioned to a multinational effort in 1979 when the United States, West Germany, France, and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding for joint development and production. The U.S. Army selected a design from Vought in 1980, and the first units entered service in 1983.

The vehicle is based on a lengthened derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle chassis. It consists of the M269 Launcher-Loader Module mounted on an M993 Carrier Vehicle. The hull is constructed from 5083 aluminum, while the cab utilizes 7039 aluminum. The M270A1 and M270A2 modernization programs introduced upgraded armored cabs and windows for enhanced protection. The system fires 227 mm caliber munitions from two interchangeable pods, with each pod holding either six rockets or one Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile. The launcher utilizes an integrated winch system for manual reloading and is designed for shoot-and-scoot tactics to avoid counter-battery fire. Available munitions include M26 cluster munitions, GPS-guided GMLRS rockets, and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in updated variants. The GMLRS rounds provide point-target capability using high-explosive unitary or alternative warheads.

The M270 has been produced in large numbers and is operated by several NATO and non-NATO nations across Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. Its combat debut occurred during the 1991 Gulf War, where U.S. and British forces deployed the system to engage Iraqi surface-to-air missile sites and troop concentrations. The platform was later utilized during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and in support of operations in Afghanistan. France deployed the system in Mali during Operation Barkhane, and Israel has employed its variant during engagements in the Gaza Strip. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, multiple nations transferred M270 units to the Ukrainian Ground Forces. These systems have been used to engage military columns, artillery, and air defense assets using GMLRS and ATACMS munitions. Modernized M270A2 units began delivery to the U.S. Army in 2022 to support the employment of extended-range munitions.