Profile
- Type
- Tracked multiple launch rocket system
- Conflict side
- Ukraine
- Origin
- United States; supplied to Ukraine by European partners
- Service note
- Cold War design in modern precision-fire service
Artillery
M270 MLRS
The M270 MLRS is a tracked, armored multiple launch rocket system built around two launch-pod containers for guided rockets or tactical missiles. In Ukrainian service during the Russia-Ukraine War, donated M270-family launchers complement HIMARS by carrying a larger rocket load on a heavier tracked chassis for long-range precision fires.
- Conflict side
- Ukraine
- Built by
- Lockheed Martin
- Built in
- United States
Service History
- In service
- First fielded by the U.S. Army as the M270A0; upgraded variants remain in service
- Used by
- Ukrainian Armed Forces, British Army, German Army, U.S. Army
- Wars
- Russia-Ukraine War
Production History
- Designer
- Ling-Temco-Vought
- Designed
- Late 1970s
- Built by
- Lockheed Martin
- Built in
- United States
- Produced
- 1980s-present through original production, allied variants, and upgrade programs
- Number built
- More than 1,000 M270-family launchers produced for the U.S. military, partner nations, and allies
- Variants
- M270A0, M270A1, M270A2, M270B1, MARS, MARS II
Specifications
- Crew
- 3
- Launcher load
- Two six-round launch pod containers; a full 12-rocket GMLRS load can be ripple-fired in less than one minute
- Munition compatibility
- GMLRS rockets, ATACMS missiles, and PrSM on compatible upgraded launchers
- Guided rocket range
- Approximately 70-80 km with GMLRS/M31A1 rockets in Ukraine aid statements
- Maximum weight
- 29,982 kg (66,100 lb)
- Dimensions
- 7.0 m long, 2.9 m wide, 2.7 m high stowed
- Mobility
- Tracked stretched Bradley chassis with armored cab and shoot-and-scoot operation
Conflict Usage
- Russia-Ukraine War
- Side: Ukraine
Supplied to Ukraine by European partners, including UK M270 launchers and German MARS launchers with GMLRS ammunition, to provide longer-range precision fires against Russian forces.
Related Weapon Systems
AGM-88 HARMAir-to-surface anti-radiation missileThe AGM-88 HARM is a U.S. high-speed anti-radiation missile built to home on radar emissions from enemy air-defense systems. In the Russia-Ukraine War, U.S.-supplied HARMs gave Ukrainian aircraft a suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses weapon for forcing or striking Russian radar systems despite the missile's original integration with Western aircraft.
AHS Krab155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzerThe AHS Krab is a Polish 155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer built by Huta Stalowa Wola around a NATO-standard 52-caliber gun, an armored tracked chassis, and modern fire-control equipment. In Ukrainian service it gives artillery units a mobile Western-caliber gun able to fire standard 155 mm ammunition, displace after missions, and operate in counter-battery-threatened sectors of the Russia-Ukraine War.
Archer155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzerArcher is a Swedish 155 mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer built around rapid automated firing and displacement from an armored cab. In Ukrainian service it adds NATO-caliber mobile tube artillery, with Sweden documenting both donated Archer systems and follow-on barrel support after intensive wartime use.
AS-90155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzerThe AS-90 is a British tracked 155 mm self-propelled howitzer built for armored, mobile indirect fire support. In the Russia-Ukraine War it represents a UK-donated NATO-caliber artillery system for Ukrainian forces, combining a protected tracked chassis, 155 mm ammunition compatibility, rapid burst fire, and a conventional range of about 24.7 km.
HarpoonCoastal and anti-ship cruise missile systemHarpoon is a U.S.-origin all-weather anti-ship cruise missile family built around active radar terminal homing and sea-skimming flight. In the Russia-Ukraine War, Ukraine received land-based Harpoon coastal defense systems and adapted truck-launched RGM-84 missiles to threaten Russian surface ships operating near the Black Sea coast.
M109A6 Paladin155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzerThe M109A6 Paladin is a U.S. 155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer that added onboard navigation, automatic fire-control, digital communications, and improved crew protection to the M109 family. In Ukraine, the Paladin represents a U.S.-supplied NATO-standard artillery system for mobile indirect fire, paired in the 2023 aid package with ammunition support vehicles for sustained gun-line operations.Sources
Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270)Publisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports manufacturer background and the M270-family launcher role. | Accessed: 2026-06-19MLRS Product CardPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports specifications, launcher capabilities, production background, and M270A2 upgrade context. | Accessed: 2026-06-19Artillery and Air DefencePublisher: British Army | Note: Supports British Army M270B1/GMLRS background. | Accessed: 2026-06-19UK to Gift Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems to UkrainePublisher: UK Ministry of Defence | Note: Directly supports UK M270 transfer, Ukrainian training, M31A1 munition supply, and range context for the Russia-Ukraine War. | Accessed: 2026-06-19Joint Statement by UK MOD, US DOD, and German Defence MinistryPublisher: UK Ministry of Defence | Note: Directly supports M270-family launchers provided to Ukraine with GMLRS ammunition and training during the Russia-Ukraine War. | Accessed: 2026-06-19German Army M270 Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS)Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and CC BY 2.0 licensing for the primary image. | Accessed: 2026-06-19