Why US Army artillery needs a new Precision Guidance Kit
A new Precision Guidance Kit is being developed for use with the ERCA self-propelled howitzer system. (Photo: US Army)
Northrop Grumman has secured a $40.6 million US Army contract for M1156E4 Precision Guidance Kit development, expanding capabilities for new artillery systems. Learn more about this major upgrade.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems has been awarded a US Army contract valued at $40,600,169 for development, qualification and production of the M1156E4 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK).
Current production versions of the M1156 are optimised for 155mm/39cal artillery systems including the M777 Light Towed Howitzer (LTH) and M109A6/A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer (SPH).
The M1156E4 is essentially an Engineering Change which will allow for projectiles fitted with the PGK to be fired from the new Watervliet 155mm/58cal Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) which will be fitted to the M109 series under a major upgrade.
ERCA has a larger chamber volume and fires
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
![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.
