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Germany KNDS
MARS II
Germany's modernized derivative of the American M270 multiple-launch rocket system, upgraded with new fire control and guided-rocket compatibility. The Bundeswehr's MARS II launchers were among the systems donated to Ukraine alongside HIMARS.
In service since 2005 · 1 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
64
km/h
480
km range
227
mm gun
25,191
kg
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
German export-licensed
BAFA licensing with strict end-use review; approvals can be politically constrained.
Channel: Direct commercial / G2G
Fielded & proven
Limited · 1 operator
In service since 2005. Status: active.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Max speed Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance. | 64 km/h |
|---|---|
| Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence. | 480 km |
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Main armament Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type. | 12x 227 mm rocket pod (M26/M31 family) |
|---|---|
| Caliber Bore diameter of the main gun or rifle. Larger throws heavier projectiles; not simply better, ammunition commonality matters. | 227 mm |
| Ammunition Rounds carried (main gun) or standard magazine capacity. | 12 |
| Max firing range Maximum range of the main gun or rocket artillery (with assisted/extended-range munitions where noted). Higher extends reach. | 84 km |
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
| Combat weight Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor. | 25,191 kg |
|---|---|
| Crew Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity. | 3 |
Propulsion
Engine, power and fuel.
| Engine Powerplant model and type. | Cummins VTA-903 diesel |
|---|---|
| Engine power Engine output power. Higher moves more weight faster. | 500 hp |
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
| Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem. | 1 |
|---|
Specifications compiled from public KNDS and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
Compare with rivals
See how it stacks up
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MKE T-155 Fırtına Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of the KNDS MARS II? +
The KNDS MARS II has a maximum speed of 64 km/h.
What is the range of the KNDS MARS II? +
The KNDS MARS II has a maximum range of 480 km.
How much does the KNDS MARS II weigh? +
The KNDS MARS II has a combat weight of 25,191 kg.
How many crew does the KNDS MARS II require? +
The KNDS MARS II requires a crew of 3.
What is the main armament of the KNDS MARS II? +
The KNDS MARS II's primary weapon is the 12x 227 mm rocket pod (M26/M31 family).
What engine does the KNDS MARS II use? +
The KNDS MARS II is powered by the Cummins VTA-903 diesel.
What is the KNDS MARS II used for? +
The KNDS MARS II is a artillery & mlrs typically used for deep strike.
How many countries operate the KNDS MARS II? +
The KNDS MARS II is operated by 1 countries.
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