US Army orders more self-propelled howitzers
BAE Systems has been awarded a $249 million contract modification by the US Army to complete an additional 60 M109A7 self-propelled howitzers.
The award exercises options on an existing low-rate production contract and includes the completion of an additional 60 M992A3 Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked (CAT) vehicles to accompany the M109A7.
The additional vehicles will bring improved artillery capabilities to the army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs).
The M109A7 and the CAT vehicle sets provide increased commonality across the ABCT. The vehicle design includes a new chassis, engine, transmission, suspension, steering system, a new high-voltage architecture and improved survivability, while the vehicle’s cannon remains the same as that of an M109A6 Paladin.
The initial contract was awarded in 2017. This most recent order brings the total number of vehicle sets — M109A7 howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers — to 156.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
-
France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower
The proposed enhancements could better position the French Army’s armoured infantry fighting vehicle for future export campaigns.
-
US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up
The US Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) programme is planned to provide a platform between Increment II of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport and the Palletized Load System.
-
Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
-
Europe’s future tank hits targets as MARTE programme gains momentum
An effort to develop a new European main battle tank has passed several milestones on the road to a Preliminary Design Review which is expected within two years.