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.
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