DSCA announced the approval of a FMS consisting of M142 HIMARS, MLRS, GMLRS, and GMLRS-ER guided artillery rockets, as well as MGM-140 ATACMS TBM, to Canada.
The approved sale valued at $1.75 billion includes 26 M142 HIMARS MLRS, 132 M31A2 GMLRS pods, 132 M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead pods, 32 GMLRS-ER pods, and 64 MGM-140 ATACMS Block 1A pods. The sale marks Canada as one of the few export users of GMLRS-ER rockets.
Each pod for GMLRS/GMLRS-ER contains six guided rockets, while one missile is carried per pod for MGM-140 ATACMS. Each M142 HIMARS can carry one pod in the quick reload launcher, while the tracked M270 MLRS can carry two.
An Overview of Munitions Mentioned in the Sale
-M30A2 GMLRS is an offshoot of the M30, with the Alternative Warhead, which focuses on fragmentation for wide area effect as a substitute for DPICM submunitions. The rocket with a range of 92 km is fitted with an insensitive rocket motor that sets it apart from the otherwise identical M30A1.
-M31A2 GMLRS is an offshoot of the M31 GMLRS, this time using the Unitary Warhead from the start. Whereas Alternative Warhead is intended for area effect, Unitary Warhead is intended for a more focused effect at a specific target. Like the M30A2 compared to the M30A1, the only difference with the M31A1 rocket is the insensitive rocket motor.
-GMLRS-ER is an evolution of the GMLRS family with an enlarged rocket motor and reworked aerodynamic layout. The nose guidance fins of GMLRS are replaced by only tail fins to provide higher manoeuvrability and better streamlining. As a result of these changes, GMLRS can reach a range of 150 km, which is on the level of 300 mm artillery rockets, while retaining the common warhead options of Alternative Warhead and Unitary Warhead.
-ATACMS Block 1A is the latest operational variant of ATACMS TBM with a range of 300 km and a penetrating warhead for increased effectiveness against hardened targets.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
