US Army announces competition for next-generation self-propelled howitzer
The US Army will launch an open competition to develop a new self-propelled howitzer to improve long-range artillery.
Here's What We Know
The tender will start in mid-February, and the first stage will evaluate existing artillery systems without immediate selection. Participants will be tested until 2026, after which the finalists will be selected in early 2027 to receive contracts for the second stage.
The new self-propelled howitzer is due to enter service by 2030. The main selection criteria will be range, accuracy, volume of fire, mobility and support capability. They will also assess the rate of fire, reloading efficiency and rapid movement between firing positions.
The decision to launch the competition was made after the cancellation of the long-range artillery gun programme, which was supposed to increase the range of the M109 Paladin to 70 km.
Potential participants are expected to include BAE Systems, Hanwha Defence, Rheinmetall, Elbit Systems and General Dynamics.
Source: Defence Industry Europe
