BAE Systems in the U.S. has been awarded a $493 million contract by the U.S. Army to continue the production of M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers, according to a press release.
The contract covers production and delivery between August 2025 and July 2026.
The M109A7 SPH is integral to the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), say BAE, providing modern artillery capabilities that are highly survivable and maintainable.
Dan Furber, director of ground vehicle production for BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business, stated in the press release, “We are focused on producing and fielding modern artillery capabilities that provide the Army with overmatch in range, accuracy, and lethality. This contract ensures the ABCT will sustain operations of one of the most survivable indirect fire support systems for years to come.”
The M109A7 project, say the firm, is designed to ensure that soldiers “are equipped with mission-ready artillery solutions, adaptable for challenging terrains and conditions”.
Despite being one of the lightest tracked SPH systems, the M109A7 features an adaptable chassis and next-generation technology, making it a low-risk option for future upgrades while easing logistics and reducing maintenance costs.
The commonality of the M109A7 across the ABCT formation benefits allied nations already operating U.S. military systems by preserving interoperability through support, maneuver, and transportation characteristics. This aspect is particularly significant as it maintains consistency and ease of integration within the allied forces.
Full-rate production of the M109A7 began in 2020. With the latest order, the total contract value for the M109A7 programme has reached almost $3 billion. BAE Systems has expanded production and support efforts for the M109A7 and M992A3 to Anniston, Alabama, supplementing efforts across its industrial network in York, Pennsylvania; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Endicott, New York; Elgin, Oklahoma; and Aiken, South Carolina.
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Know that the capabilities of the M199A7 are frequently negatively critiqued on this site, but it does have one undisputably positive feature–this SPH is actually currently being produced, in quantity. One real SPH
currently defeats an infinite number of prospective, future SPHs. Every time. Just sayin’…🤔😉
M109A7…🙄 (fat fingers)
Is the UK just going all in with wheeled Boxer RCH 155 and absolutely nothing tracked, no mixed SPH fleet? You got to wonder why our partners the US and Aus with the K9/10 are sticking with tracked then? Different criteria, economic offsets?
Good Morning Everyone. On another subject which I am surprised UKDJ has not highlighted-the Mail online has published two articles over the last few days about the situation with the UK’s Astute Submarine fleet whereby it is claimed that all 6 boats are currently non operational !! If this is true , surely this represents not only a mini crisis for the defence of the Realm and the Royal Navy’s reputation, but a terrible advert for the British submarine industry, particularly with its involvement in the future Aus submarine programme? Forgive me George, for straying off subject but this surely… Read more »