On October 12, 2023, one of the battalions from the Israeli Army’s 228th Brigade employed the M270 long-range system to launch strikes against targets associated with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. This marked the first instance of utilizing such a system for targeting the Gaza Strip since 2006. The specific type of missiles or rockets used remains unknown.
It is, however, confirmed that the use of the M270 by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was part of a coordinated military offensive that also included the involvement of tactical aviation and artillery. This information has been reported by Defense Romania.
Read more: Where Did Hamas Get Rare RPG-7s with Tandem-Charge EFP, Anti-Tank Weapons and MANPADS
In this context, it becomes interesting how many systems like the M270 MLRS the IDF actually possesses and whether they have other types of multiple launch rocket systems.
According to The Military Balance 2023, there are 30 M270 MLRS systems, with an additional 18 held in storage. In total, the Israeli army maintains up to 100 MLRS of various types in storage. Alongside the 18 M270 systems mentioned earlier, there are also 50 LAR-160 units and 20 MAR-290 units.
The MAR-290 is a rocket artillery system with a 290 mm caliber that was officially adopted into the arsenal in 1973. Essentially, it comprises four launchers affixed to the chassis of a Centurion heavy tank, and it boasts a firing range spanning from 10 to 25 kilometers.
The LAR-160 is a rocket artillery system featuring a 160 mm caliber, mounted on a mobile vehicle chassis. It was officially inducted into service in 1983 and was also made available for export. This system includes 36 launch tubes and offers a firing range extending from 8 kilometers to 45 kilometers.
Read more: Russian Media State that Ukraine Will Not Evacuate Ukrainians from Israel
