Elbit Rolls Out First US-Built Sigma NG 155mm Howitzer, Targeting Future Pentagon Artillery Programs

South Carolina / Tel Aviv: Elbit Systems has completed production of the first US-built Sigma NG 155-millimetre self-propelled howitzer at the South Carolina facility of its American subsidiary, Elbit America, marking a significant milestone in the company’s push to localise advanced artillery manufacturing in the United States.

The programme reflects a deliberate strategy to align with US procurement preferences favouring domestic industrial capability, a policy emphasis strongly associated with Donald Trump. By shifting production entirely onto American soil, Elbit aims to strengthen its competitiveness for future US Army and allied artillery requirements while reducing political and logistical barriers to procurement.

A Wheeled Howitzer Designed for High-Intensity Warfare

The Sigma NG is a next-generation, wheeled 155-millimetre artillery system that integrates high levels of automation, enhanced crew protection, and rapid mobility. Built around a remotely operated turret, the system allows crews to conduct firing missions with minimal exposure, improving survivability in counter-battery and drone-saturated environments.

Crucially, the howitzer is capable of firing all standard NATO-compliant 155-millimetre ammunition, ensuring interoperability with existing US and allied stockpiles. This compatibility is viewed as a decisive advantage as the Pentagon seeks to modernise artillery forces without overhauling ammunition logistics.

Transitional Manufacturing Model With Israeli Expertise

Although the Sigma NG is now assembled in the United States, early production has involved a limited degree of cross-border industrial cooperation. According to defence industry reporting, selected US-manufactured gun barrel components were temporarily shipped to Israel, where Elbit specialists applied proprietary finishing and integration expertise before the components were returned for final installation in the US-built turret.

Company officials indicate this is a transitional arrangement, with future production batches expected to see a higher degree of end-to-end manufacturing carried out within the United States as local capabilities mature.

Common Lineage With Israel’s Roem Artillery System

The Sigma NG shares its core design with the Roem self-propelled howitzer operated by the Israel Defense Forces. The Roem employs a 155-millimetre, 39-calibre gun and took nearly six years to progress from development to initial delivery, reflecting the technical complexity of modern automated artillery systems.

By basing the Sigma NG on this proven architecture, Elbit has been able to reduce development risk and present the US-built version as a mature, near-ready solution rather than a conceptual prototype.

Positioned for Renewed US Artillery Demand

The rollout of the Sigma NG comes amid renewed focus by the US Department of Defense on artillery modernisation. In September, the Pentagon issued a call for concepts and information related to new and upgraded artillery systems, driven by lessons from recent high-intensity conflicts where massed fires and ammunition consumption have re-emerged as decisive factors.

Elbit views the Sigma NG as well aligned with these emerging requirements, offering rapid deployment, digital fire-control integration, and high strategic and tactical mobility, while remaining compatible with US doctrine and infrastructure.

Oshkosh Platform and US Supply Chain Integration

The howitzer is typically mounted on an Oshkosh Corporation 10×10 military truck, a platform widely regarded for its off-road performance and payload capacity. The US variant of the Sigma NG incorporates a growing proportion of locally sourced automotive, electronic, and support components, reinforcing its status as a domestically produced system.

Industry analysts see this as a potential stepping stone toward deeper industrial partnerships and expanded US-based production lines for Elbit’s land systems portfolio.

Current Status in US Service and Potential Customers

At present, the US Army does not operate the Sigma NG, and there is no active fleet of wheeled 155-millimetre self-propelled howitzers in American service. The Army’s primary artillery platform remains the tracked M109A7 Paladin, while wheeled systems are still under evaluation.

Beyond the US Army, potential customers include the US Marine Corps, National Guard units, and allied forces seeking a highly mobile 155-millimetre solution. European NATO members, Middle Eastern partners, and Indo-Pacific militaries are viewed as likely export candidates, particularly those prioritising rapid deployment and NATO ammunition compatibility.

A Signal of Deeper US Localisation

The completion of the first Sigma NG in South Carolina is widely interpreted as a signal of Elbit’s long-term commitment to US localisation. As defence procurement increasingly favours domestic production, the Sigma NG programme may serve as a blueprint for how foreign defence firms adapt to compete in the US market.

For Elbit Systems, the US-built Sigma NG is not only a new artillery offering, but a strategic move to secure relevance in the next phase of American and allied artillery modernisation.