Elbit Systems gains multi-million dollar SPH contract from Asia-Pacific customer
SIGMA fully automatic self-propelled howitzer gun system. (Photo: Elbit Systems)
The company will supply the SIGMA system probably to the Singapore Armed Forces
Elbit Systems was awarded a $106 million contract to supply SIGMA fully automatic self-propelled howitzer (SPH) systems to a country in Asia-Pacific, over a five-year period.
SIGMA is a 155mm/52 calibre self-propelled howitzer capable of automatic loading and laying of the gun system, rapid in-and-out action times and a high rate of fire. It offers a protected cabin for a crew of three. Depending on the mission, SIGMA is capable of automatically selecting and loading the required projectile, propellant and fuse and laying the gun to optimally engage targets.
The identity of the customer could not be disclosed but Shephard understands from other sources that Singapore may be the country in question, as its Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) recently outlined its equipment requirements including the replacement of the ST Engineering Land Systems FH-2000 155mm towed howitzer after two decades in service.
MINDEF has published a description of the proposed replacement system that corresponds to SIGMA. For instance, in the announcement, the new replacing system was described as a self-propelled howitzer that requires a crew of only three.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market]()
Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market
In Conversation: Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan talks to Bittium’s newly appointed general manager for UK defence, Dean Aldridge, about how the company’s tactical communications technologies can empower the British armed forces, and its ambitions for the UK market.
-
![Lockheed Martin demonstrates Spike and is selected for next stage of US Army requirement]()
Lockheed Martin demonstrates Spike and is selected for next stage of US Army requirement
The Spike non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile is used by several countries as an air-launched weapon but the recent trials were ground-launched from a vehicle and involved three shots.
-
![Europe looks to solve tank procurement challenges with upgraded and new platforms]()
Europe looks to solve tank procurement challenges with upgraded and new platforms
The UK government in 2019 reflected a common attitude towards main battle tanks (MBTs) across Western Europe as it moved to reduce its fleet from 227 Challenger 2 vehicles to 148, which would be upgraded under a plan that eventually produced the Challenger 3. Now, however, there is an increased interest in platforms new, upgraded and planned across the continent.
