ISTEC Services Limited announced on 16 January that the company has been selected to provide the smoke discharger systems (SDS) for the British Army’s new M270 MLRS A2 (Multiple Launch Rocket System).
The new MLRS A2 will be equipped with the ISL 66SD/4, a four-barrel vehicle-mounted SDS capable of launching all types of UK in-service 66mm munitions. The ISTEC SDS can be configured in various setups, including 2, 3, and 4 barrel arrangements, depending on the platform’s requirements.
The design of the ISL 66SD range ensures compatibility between the base plate and canister connectors with the UK in-service 66mm No12 Mk8 smoke discharger (dual pole), thereby reducing logistical challenges.
Additionally, the system includes the ISTEC Fire Control Unit, which features four firing buttons, an arming safety cover, and NVD-compatible color-coded LED indicators to display the status of each pod.
Adrian Webster, Operations Manager at ISTEC said, “We are extremely pleased to have won this important contract to help equip the UK’s new MLRS A2 platform with the best possible defensive suite of smoke dischargers. Our extensive experience in adapting solutions to meet vehicle geometry and architecture requirements, coupled with our long-standing history with both NSPA and the MLRS platform, makes this an exciting opportunity.”
He added, “This project, combined with the weapons mount systems, further enhances the UK’s defence capabilities with cutting-edge technology, supporting national security and the operational effectiveness of the MLRS A2.”
British Army’s MLRS
The M270B1 MLRS, which utilizes the M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munition, serves as a cornerstone of the British Army’s deep and shaping fires capabilities. This system is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, capable of delivering a 200 lb high explosive warhead to its intended target at more than double the range of other artillery systems employed by the British Army.
Furthermore, the MLRS constitutes the majority of the British Army’s precision fires capabilities, featuring GPS guidance that ensures high accuracy at distances exceeding 70 kilometres. Operated by a compact crew of three Gunners, the system is mounted on a tracked armoured launcher, designed for robustness and manoeuvrability.
The GBP 2 billion Land Deep Fires Programme (LDFP) is focused on modernizing and enhancing the Army’s Deep Fires capabilities in accordance with the Integrated Review 2021. The Chief of the General Staff has emphasized that the modernization of Land Deep Fires is among his top priorities. Under the ‘One Launcher, Many Payloads’ initiative, the UK aims to upgrade its fleet to include the advanced M270 A2 launcher.
This upgrade will extend its use to two Regular regiments (3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and 26 Regiment Royal Artillery) and one Reserve regiment (101 Regiment Royal Artillery). The system will be equipped with a variety of missiles, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Extended Range GMLRS (ER-G), Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), and Land Precision Strike (LPS).
Additionally, the UK’s Technical Demonstrator 5 (TD5) project is working on developing alternative payloads, which include targeting capabilities using UAVs and area effect munitions (multiple warheads for integration into ER-G and PrSM).
