Rheinmetall, Elbit test-fire automated howitzer system
Rheinmetall and Elbit have conducted a live-fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 self-propelled howitzer based on an HX 10x10 truck chassis. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall and Elbit have test-fired a new 155mm wheeled howitzer system aimed primarily at fulfilling Germany’s Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF) requirement.
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have conducted a live-fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer, the companies announced this week.
The demonstration took place in early March at the Shivta range in southern Israel, attended by officials from Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and the UK.
Rheinmetall and Elbit signed a cooperation agreement in 2022 to develop, manufacture and market an automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer system.
Related Articles
Elbit Systems to deliver howitzers to IDF
UK artillery seeks greater range and accuracy
Lockheed and Rheinmetall team up on bespoke rocket artillery system for Germany
Led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme the team will compete for Germany’s Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF) programme, with the UK’s Mobile Fires Platform effort also a focus.
Additional potential customers, such as Hungary, have also expressed interest.
By leveraging wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurements that Elbit has worked on for Israel and other customers, a technically mature system is available, enabling integration of a Rheinmetall main gun into the unmanned turret.
According to the companies, this integration is currently in an advanced phase of the verification process.
Rheinmetall is carrying out modifications to customise the system to meet European operational requirements and Germany’s regulatory approval process.
In addition to the 155mm L52 gun, Rheinmetall is supplying the HX 10x10 tactical truck platform with protected cabin, and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite.
The howitzer system is also designed to integrate the L60 gun in the future. This has a larger chamber and longer 60cal barrel, and will be able to attain ranges of up to 83km.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
ATMOS Artillery Systems-Israel
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
