Rheinmetall to develop light artillery cannon for US Army
American Rheinmetall Munition aims to support future US lightweight howitzer and other armament technologies. (Photo: US Army/1st Lt Stephanie Snyder)
The US Army has awarded a $2.5 million contract for American Rheinmetall Munition to develop and deliver a shorter and more lightweight artillery weapon system.
Parent company Rheinmetall said the lightweight artillery cannon would enhance the mobility, manoeuvrability and lethality of US Army artillery systems.
The company believes the new cannon will meet the long-range firing performance capability sought by the US.
The effort will support the US National Defense Strategy published in March and will also serve as an information collecting exercise for the US Army’s ongoing capability assessment for a next-generation armament.
‘We are proud to have the opportunity to support the Army in its efforts to develop next-generation long-range precision fires technologies and particularly to prototype what could be game-changing advanced, lightweight howitzer technologies,’ American Rheinmetall Munition CEO John Somich noted in a statement.
This year the DoD announced contract modifications twice for the production and delivery of M109A7 self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 tracked carrier ammunition vehicles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.