Bahrain to Upgrade M270 MLRS to A1 Configuration

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bahrain of M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) Upgrade and related equipment for an estimated cost of $175.98 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale last week.

Bahrain has requested to buy upgrades to 9 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to a M270 A1 minimum configuration. The upgrade will include: the Common Fire Control System (CFCS); Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS); 600h Engine and associated engine compartment modifications; Improved Electronics Distribution Box (IEDB); fan speed control valve; cables and mounting hardware, Power Take Off (PTO) and BOO series transmission; the Digital Communication Systems (DCOMMS); Vehicular Intercom System (AN/VIC-3); and related support and equipment.

The principal contractor will be the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD.

The MLRS is a mobile automatic system that fires surface-to-surface rockets from the M270 family of launcher weapons platforms. The M270A1 is a tracked precision strike weapon system organic or assigned to Field Artillery Brigades. The M270A1 program consists of a modified M993A1 Bradley Carrier mounted with the M269 Launcher Loader Module.

It will launch all MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM) rockets and missiles that can be fired in less than one minute by the three-man crew, which was demonstrated in Operation Desert Storm.

The MLRS MFOM that can be fired from M270 systems include 12 Guided MLRS (GMLRS) or Extended Range (ER) GMLRS rockets, 4 Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) or two Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).