US Army Awards Lockheed Martin M270 System Recapitalization Contract

Lockheed Martin has secured a $451 million contract from the U.S. Army to recapitalize more M270 systems as part of an effort to expand its domestic fleet of launchers and make some available for international partners. 

The recapitalization involves a complete overhaul of the systems, upgrading the launchers with brand new engines, improved armored cabs and the new Common Fire Control System, making them compatible with the existing and future MLRS family of munitions. 

The contract comes after the service branch sought assistance in recapitalizing a batch of M270 systems to ensure mission readiness until 2050, Lockheed Martin said.

Jay Price, vice president of precision fires at Lockheed Martin, said the company aims to equip the launchers with technologies that would make them combat-ready while remaining highly reliable and interoperable with NATO forces.

The two organizations are also working to ensure the Army has an ample supply of surface-to-surface precision strike missiles under a potential two-year, $219.7 million contract modification.

Besides its recapitalizing initiatives, the Army is also investing in next-generation battle technologies. In March 2023, it selected a partnership between Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman to advance work on the Precision Strike Missile Increment 4.