US deploys advanced M270A2 missile systems in Europe
The US Army has deployed upgraded M270A2 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in Europe.
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The 41st Field Artillery Brigade, based in Germany, received the first nine systems.
A key element of the modernisation is the introduction of a common fire control system (CFCS). This system ensures unification of work with HIMARS and supports the use of the latest precision-guided missiles, such as GMLRS-ER and PrSM.
The GMLRS-ER is an improved version of the M30A2 and M31A2 missiles, which have already proven themselves on the battlefield, including in Ukraine. The new version has a range of 150 km, compared to 90 km for the previous models, while each launch container still holds six missiles.
The US military's M270A2 rocket launcher in Europe. Illustration: US Army
The short-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) was developed as a replacement for the MGM-140 ATACMS. It is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 500 km, outperforming the ATACMS, which has a range of up to 300 km. The PrSM carries a warhead weighing 91 kg, but this is compensated for by its high accuracy. In the future, several upgrades are planned to increase the range of the missile to 1,000 km, the weight of the warhead and allow it to attack moving targets.
This deployment demonstrates the US intention to strengthen its defence capabilities in Europe and provide defence forces with more advanced means to effectively perform combat missions.
Source: US Army
