US Army field artillery seeks faster firing and force ‘thickening’
Army Futures Command is exploring how small business can help to deliver future artillery solutions, while it is also planning to showcase remotely fired and remotely operated rockets in June.
US Army field artillery representatives recently conducted a ‘cohort week’ at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, designed to bring innovative small business ideas to the challenge of increasing cannon firing rates.
In addition, plans are underway to explore ‘thickening’ the force with a June demonstration of a remotely operated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
According to BG John Rafferty, director of the Long Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team in Army Futures Command (AFC), the cohort process began two years ago with an initial focus on challenges and innovative solutions for autonomous resupply.
‘There were about 200 attendees at the
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 preview: Uncrewed systems and platforms to defend against them set to feature]()
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]()
“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.
-
![New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS]()
New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
-
![Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme]()
Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
