Whitepaper: European Defence Market - Key Programmes and Opportunities
A complementary look at the European defence market from Shephard Defence Insight: actionable defence intelligence.
Morana is mounted on Tatra Force 8x8 chassis. (Photo: CSG)
The Czech Company Excalibur Army launched its new wheeled self-propelled howitzer Morana on 13 June during the Eurosatory Exhibition in Paris.
The system provides fully automatic reloading and gun guidance and features a 155 mm weapon system with a 52 calibre barrel and is mounted on a Tatra Force 8x8 chassis.
The howitzer is also equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station and a 12.7 mm machine gun for self-protection.
A press release from the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), of which the Excalibur Army is part, pointed out that Morana combines the advantages of lightweight wheeled self-propelled artillery systems with heavy artillery capabilities.
The vehicle carries driver, commander and operator, with the combat turret being fully controlled directly from the cabin.
‘The crew is therefore constantly protected during the movement of the howitzer and during its operation and combat deployment’, it was highlighted in the press release.
RELATED ARTICLES
Eurosatory 2022: Redback makes its European debut
Eurosatory 2022: Panther KF51 prowls into Paris
Eurosatory 2022: Textron M5 now available on the international market
A complementary look at the European defence market from Shephard Defence Insight: actionable defence intelligence.
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.