Switzerland will abandon the American M109 KAWEST howitzer in favor of the Swedish Archer or German RCH 155 AGM

Switzerland is ready to remove from service the American M109 KAWEST howitzers, which it has been using for 50 years.

What we know

The U.S. artillery M109 service will end in 2030. As such, Switzerland has begun considering alternative howitzers and will place its first order in four years.

The Swiss Army's key requirements are a wheeled chassis, ease of transportation, maintainability and the ability to integrate into a unified fire control system. Swedish Archer and German RCH 155 AGM self-propelled artillery units fit these parameters.

The Archer is equipped with the FH 77B caliber 155mm and 52 caliber cannon. The howitzer can fire 8-9 rounds in half a minute on varying trajectories. Maximum range is 30 km to 60 km, depending on the type of projectile.

RCH 155 AGM is a new self-propelled artillery unit that has a slightly clunky appearance. It is based on a Boxer wheeled chassis and uses the 155mm cannon from the Panzerhaubitze 2000. The howitzer will weigh nearly 39 tons and will be able to fire nine rounds per minute.

Source: European Defense Review

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