Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?
The MKE Uran, unveiled at SAHA 2026, is intended to provide a mobile fires platform. (Photo: author)
Artillery remains a key tool on the modern battlefield. Artillery platforms, however, are increasingly at risk from enemy fire, whether from other artillery or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). Consequently, there is a need for ever more mobile platforms, capable of performing shoot-and-scoot operations.
This poses a particular danger to towed platforms. Lacking a means of self-propulsion, they risk being detected and destroyed within seconds of opening fire. Given that towed platforms still account for the majority of artillery worldwide, the question then becomes how they can remain effective in the years ahead.
In Ukraine, one solution has been the use
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
-
AUSA 2026: Hanwha receives howitzer top-up order to meet US Army’s fast delivery demand
Less than two months after winning a contract from the US Army for six prototype K9 mobile howitzers, Hanwha Defense USA has received an order for another three. The company will show a platform at AUSA 2026.
-
AUSA 2026 preview: Uncrewed systems and platforms to defend against them set to feature
The Association of the US Army’s flagship conference and exhibition takes place in Washington, DC from 12 to 14 October. Shephard takes a look at what might be in store at the 2026 show, with uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems and platforms under the spotlight.
-
“A survivable architecture”: why resilient communications are no longer a luxury
In Conversation… Military communications must adapt to a rapidly evolving battlespace, characterised by decentralised forces and an increasingly contested electromagnetic spectrum. To survive and thrive, it is vital to prioritise resilient systems and networks, Faisal Munir, President – Mission-Critical Communications at L3Harris Technologies, told Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan.