On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the German group Rheinmetall AG announced that its subsidiary Rheinmetall UK had received an order from the UK Ministry of Defence, via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), for the delivery of Trailblazer cameras for the new M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers.
Photo: Rheinmetall AG
The initial contract covers the delivery of prototypes in early 2026, with serial production to begin later the same year. The total contract value amounts to several million euros. The M270A2 MLRS will be the 17th military platform to be integrated with the Trailblazer system. The system is currently in service with the armed forces of seven countries.
As part of the M270A2 MLRS modernization program, Rheinmetall UK is responsible for designing and delivering enhanced driver-vision capabilities tailored to the specific requirements of the platform.
As a mature, programmable system certified to SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level 2), Trailblazer is already integrated with the Boxer armored fighting vehicle, the upgraded Challenger 3 tank, and the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle. This provides benefits through standardization across the British combat vehicle fleet.
Under the program, British M270A2 MLRS launchers will be equipped with state-of-the-art and highly effective vision technology designed to support vehicle maneuvering in complex conditions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for both the driver and the commander. The scope of the program includes driver-vision sensors, remote side and rear-vision sensors, and the delivery of installation kits including reinforced wiring, switches, and protective housings.
Trailblazer enhances crew effectiveness by extending the vehicle’s field of view beyond the visible spectrum. With improved day vision, thermal imaging, and sensor fusion, Trailblazer provides crews with a significant advantage in adverse weather and in low- or no-light conditions. With very low latency, the systems support off-road navigation, obstacle avoidance, safe route selection, and more effective threat detection. Compliance with SIL 2, (N)GVA, and DEF STAN 00-82 video-distribution standards ensures that Trailblazer is safe to operate and easy to integrate. Trailblazer sensors include the DCU9, DCU5, and DCU8 models.
Managing Director Rheinmetall Electronics UK, Richard Streeter said:
“This latest contract further solidifies Trailblazer as the Driver Vision system of choice for the UK Army. That choice is built on our reputation for delivery of innovative and reliable technologies into the UK MoD. We are delighted to be able to upgrade the UK’s latest MLRS A2 platforms with the very best vehicle vision systems.”
The United Kingdom plans to acquire 15 new M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System launchers, alongside upgrading 61 older M270B1 systems to the M270B2 standard.
Upgrades under the M270A2 modernization program include, among other changes, modifications to the M993A0/A1 chassis, such as a new powerpack and drivetrain (increasing the diesel engine’s output from 500 to 600 hp), installation of an improved armored cab, and implementation of a Common Fire Control System for artillery, as well as an updated M269A0/A1 Launcher Loader Module pod with its loading mechanism.
#Rheinmetall Awarded #Contract for #Trailblazer on
the #UK Multiple Launch #Rocket System A2 https://t.co/uRA1lcRfTm pic.twitter.com/z21yOEF5C3— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) December 10, 2025