Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year
Croatia has ordered CAESAR Mk II 6×6 howitzers. (Photo: KNDS)
December saw several milestones on the howitzer front with billions of dollars worth of orders placed and Germany committing to more 6×6 and 4×4 vehicles. Taiwan was also approved for equipment orders worth $11 billion even as the year came to an end with China encircling the country as part of an exercise.
Self-propelled guns (SPGs) and howitzers were front and centre last month with milestones passed for programmes and orders placed by Germany, the UK, Croatia and Lithuania for systems as attention also turned to a growing US requirement.
These events occurred alongside a multibillion-dollar slate of approvals giving Taiwan access to a range of equipment, Israel taking delivery of its first Iron Beam laser system and Sweden ordering air defence and artillery locating radar systems.
In the last week of December, the German Bundestag approved an expansion of the Arrow 3 defence system contract with Israel, valued at approximately US$3.1 billion.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
![Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System]()
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
-
![K9 Thunder gains momentum across three key international markets]()
K9 Thunder gains momentum across three key international markets
Recent activity across Australia, Norway and the US highlights Hanwha Defense’s expanding presence in a self-propelled artillery market reshaped by the demands of modern warfare.
