Finland to host Europe’s first MLRS maintenance hub in Tampere

Finland will establish Europe’s first maintenance and support centre for the MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) fire control system in Tampere, the defence ministry announced.

The centre will be located at the premises of technology company Insta, following an agreement signed on 25 June by the Finnish Defence Forces, Insta, and US defence industry giant Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the MLRS.

The MLRS is a heavy, tracked rocket launcher system used by the army’s field artillery.

The defence ministry stated that the project is part of Finland’s indirect industrial cooperation tied to its F-35 multirole fighter procurement, strengthening defence material collaboration between Finland and the US.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen called the centre a testament to Finland’s strong domestic defence industry expertise, adding that the cooperation will create jobs and expand high-tech capabilities in the sector.

Deputy Director of the Defence Forces’ Logistics Centre, Brigadier General Juha-Matti Ylitalo, emphasised that domestic maintenance and support capabilities are critical for operational readiness in all conditions.

Insta serves as a strategic partner to the Defence Forces, responsible for building maintenance and support capacities for the F-35’s electronic systems and related services.