Troops to get 'sniper' system

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The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) has successfully completed its trials and will be sent to Afghanistan later this year.

The system has been nicknamed the "60km sniper" because of its long-range precision - which the MoD claims will lead to fewer civilian casualties.

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A demonstration of one of the new sniper rockets

The rockets, fired from a mobile launcher, have a 200lb high-explosive warhead and are guided using a global positioning system.

Defence Secretary Des Browne first announced his intention to send the GMLRS system to Afghanistan as part of a new battlegroup in February this year.

The MoD plans to build up a stockpile of "several thousand" rockets as part of a £250 million programme.

Defence Minister Lord Drayson said today: "This new all-weather rocket gives us huge improvements in range and accuracy over its predecessor, meaning it will take significantly fewer rockets to defeat our targets while reducing the risk of collateral damage.

"The GMLRS will deliver a powerful 200lb warhead to its destination with pin-point accuracy, giving the Royal Artillery its first ever long-range precision rocket.

"It is a prime example of our commitment and determination to continually improve the support we deliver to the frontline."

The rocket has been developed in collaboration with France, Germany, Italy and the US.