The MLRS is a highly mobile automatic system that fires surface-to-surface rockets from the M270 family of launcher weapons platforms. The MLRS Family of Munitions (MLRS MFOM) can be fired in less than one minute by the three-man crew.

The MLRS MFOM that can be fired from M270 systems include 12 GMLRS or Extended-Range (ER) GMLRS rockets, 4 Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) or ATACMS.

Lockheed Martin is under contract to recapitalize M270s for the U.S. Army, United Kingdom and Italy. Lockheed Martin, in partnership with the Red River Army Depot, is overhauling the M270s as “zero-time” launchers. Upgrades will completely refurbish launchers to include the following:

• New engines
  
• New Improved Armored Cabs (IAC)
  
• New Common Fire Control System (CFCS)
  
• Upgraded and rebuilt transmissions
  
• Improved system components

Upgrades will also provide capability to fire the newest next-generation munitions including the Extended-Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The U.S. Army's MLRS recapitalization effort will eventually upgrade its existing fleet of 225 MLRS M270A1 launchers and 160 decommissioned  to M270A2s.