BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth USD 535 million to produce additional M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers for the US Army, the company stated.
The M109A7 is the latest variant in the long-running Paladin family of 155mm tracked self-propelled artillery systems and serves as the standard indirect fire platform for the US Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams.
According to BAE Systems, the platform offers what it describes as a “scoot-and-shoot” capability, delivering precise fires in under 30 seconds when emplaced or within a minute while on the move. The company said this combination of responsiveness and mobility is designed to improve survivability against counter-battery threats, an increasingly relevant consideration given lessons emerging from recent conflicts where static artillery has proven highly vulnerable to drones and counter-battery radar.
Dan Furber, vice president of artillery programs at BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems, pointed to the system’s track record. “The M109A7 Paladin is a battle-proven platform that delivers what Soldiers need to succeed on today’s battlefield,” he said, as quoted in the company’s release. “With its reliable performance and robust industrial base, the Paladin ensures our troops have the firepower and support they can count on when it matters most.”
The M109A7 represents a substantial overhaul of the older M109A6 design rather than a wholly new vehicle. It retains the main armament and cab of its predecessor but pairs them with a new chassis sharing common drivetrain and suspension components with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, alongside upgraded electrical and power generation systems intended to accommodate future technology insertion. The M992A3 ammunition carrier accompanies the howitzer in service, providing resupply and crew protection within the same formation.
BAE Systems described the M109A7 as one of the lightest tracked self-propelled howitzer systems currently fielded, according to the company, with an adaptable chassis designed to perform across varied terrain.
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I can only ask, why? I’m not saying the age of artillery is over and it’s all drones now, but, why a tracked unit and at a time when we’re seeing Artillery being outranged and by cheaper, high mass swarms that will do the job and with “better” targeting.
Ah well, I can see these might be useful vs FPV drones, but their armour is only rated for small arms and shrapnel, right, not a direct hit from a shaped charge.
TJ, you are right, and these units are not what I’d describe as ‘Shoot & Scoot’, which is seen as an essential requirement today.
I shared an interesting article which was in British Army Review the other day regards the issues facing our own Royal Artillery and how all the noise about improving matters is being undone by supply issues and the usual red tape, money, and fiefdom issues. From a serving Lt Col no less.
It also noted.
A 155mm shell is almost impossible to intercept. Drones can be and are.
A 155mm shell cannot be jammed or spoofed. Drones can be and are.
A 155mm shell can be fired in all weather conditions. Drones, I assume, might not be able to.
Another poster noted that a shell responds quicker, unless by luck a loitering Drone is already nearby.
I’d also question if the days of tracked SP artillery are over then why is Poland buying so many? And why South Korea sells K9.
Mass, raw firepower from the Royal Artillery remains as relevant now as before, maybe more with modern ISTAR systems.
So a mix of both Drones and guns still very much needed.
In the US context , a division or Corps possesses vast firepower, backed by the most powerful air support on the planet. The US is powering ahead with anti drone tech, space based surveillance and targeting as well as the ability to locate and track units down to the single soldier with a mobile phone device and would do the same to drone units. The US ( or NATO) won’t fight like Ukr or Russia . The US seems happy with 39 cal, less barrell wear. HIMARS and M270 will deal with threats out to 155mm and it has an array of it’s own drones and loitering munitions.
They are making a difference in Ukraine though or have made a difference
It is notable how far US artillery has fallen behind European and other self propelled artillery designs with longer reach.