The Jordanian supply includes 72 M-31 systems for 432 total rockets in addition to the entire logistics system.
The approval of the supply comes after the official request made by the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, during his last visit to Washington last month. At that juncture, the demand for increased arms supplies was justified as necessary to fight the Islamic State.
The international coalition that has declared war on the Islamic State, today counts sixty nations. Among these, Jordan itself.
According to the State Department (which was pressured by Congress to speed up the supply), "the sale will contribute to the cause of foreign policy and national security. By improving the military capabilities of a partner country, this will continue to play a key role in the political and economic stability of the Middle East. For the United States it is vital to maintain Jordan's self-defense capacity ".
The definitive western rocket launcher
The GMLRS (Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System) is a short range solid rocket launcher.
The M-31 version implements a GPS guidance system and canard fins on 227 mm ballistic missiles. The M-31 system is the most accurate 60% of previous versions. Developed in collaboration between the United States and a consortium of European countries (France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom), the GMLRS is designed for field deployment via M993 Bradley carriers.
The missiles have a range of 70 km and are distributed in batteries of six or twelve guided rockets. The missiles of the M-31 model have a single 90 kg warhead of high explosive. Inertial guidance is associated with a global positioning satellite system.
The probability of circular error is estimated between five and ten meters from the target. The missile has a length of 3,94 m, a diameter of 0,227 m and a launch weight of 302 kg. The missile uses a single-stage solid propellant engine.
Developing missiles with greater range and high maneuverability on the return path (including the possibility of a vertical impact on the target). Other possible developments include high penetration and thermobaric warheads.
Finally, Israel and Germany are focusing on developing intelligent 227 mm missiles.
Franco Iacch
(photo: Lockheed Martin)
