Swiss Army still awaits new artillery contract to replace M109 howitzers
Piranha IV 10x10 fitted with Artillery Gun Module undergoing road trials in Switzerland with muzzle velocity radar mounted above rear of 155mm/52-calibre ordnance. (Photo: Swiss Army)
The Swiss Army is still awaiting a date as to when a contract will be placed with various contractors at home and abroad to replace its currently deployed M109 155mm/47-calibre tracked self-propelled (SP) artillery systems.
The winner of its competition to replace its existing howitzers was announced by the Swiss Army in late 2024, as the German KNDS Artillery Gun Module (AGM) integrated onto the locally produced General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Mowag Piranha IV 8x8 vehicle.
The Swiss Parliament gave the green light at the end of last year for the procurement of just 32 systems plus logistics vehicles and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
Milrem outlines plans for Havoc and Vector as Ukrainian THeMIS numbers set to double
Milrem’s THeMIS uncrewed ground vehicle is one of the most battle-proven medium UGV platforms in service, with the company looking to have production versions of new large platforms ready before the end of the decade.
-
Localisation is the aim of the game in defence procurement
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
-
February land forces roundup: ST Engineering and Russia lift the lid on new platforms
This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.
-
The US military is expanding its efforts to modernise mortar technology
A growing push towards increasing mobility and lethality across forces can be seen in recent contracts and modernisation efforts, with advancing mortar technology playing an integral role in modern warfare.