BAE Systems has been awarded a $473 million contract by the U.S. Army to produce additional M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer systems, the company stated.
The award covers the manufacture of 40 further M109A7 Paladin sets, including the associated M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked vehicles used to support artillery operations. The contract was issued by the U.S. Army Contracting Command Detroit and represents the first award under a wider five-year contracting framework.
According to the company, the agreement also includes a range of support services alongside vehicle production, such as technical support packages, post-production refurbishment activity and welding compliance work intended to sustain the fleet over its service life.
Dan Furber, Combat Mission Systems’ artillery and combat support programme director at BAE Systems, said: “The M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer provides the firepower and operational advantage Soldiers need on the modern battlefield. This platform gives warfighters the decisive edge in any conflict, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide this proven capability to the U.S. Army.”
The M109A7 is the latest iteration of the long-running Paladin artillery system, modernised to improve mobility, survivability and integration with current U.S. Army formations, according to the company. Production of the vehicles will take place across multiple U.S. facilities, including York, Pennsylvania; Elgin, Oklahoma; and Anniston, Alabama. BAE Systems said the contract was awarded in September and forms part of ongoing efforts to sustain and expand U.S. Army artillery capacity through incremental production and support over the coming years.
Makes sense to order 100 for the UK to replace the AS90?
Oh sorry – forgot we just assess, consider, review, cut, assess, consider, review, cut….
They got cut by Rachel in Accounts before they were purchased. She now sees that as the best strategy to save money. I believe the Treasury is drawing up a manual for the British Army to train its soldiers to throw sticks and stones. Apparently, it’s an easy skill that anyone (but the children of senior civil servants and MP’s) can learn. They won’t even have to fund the stores.
Considering it’s available, within budget and works I don’t suppose there is a cats chance of us getting any…