U.S. Army Initiates Competition for Next-Generation Self-Propelled Howitzer

The United States Army is embarking on a significant modernization effort by launching a competition to develop a next-generation self-propelled howitzer. This initiative aims to enhance the Army's long-range artillery capabilities, ensuring that its forces remain effective and adaptable in diverse combat scenarios.

Competition Timeline and Structure

The competition is set to commence in mid-February 2025. In the initial phase, the Army plans to award contracts to multiple companies by September 2025. These selected vendors will participate in rigorous evaluation testing through the fiscal year 2026. Insights gained from this phase will guide the selection process for Phase II, with contracts anticipated to be awarded in early 2027. The overarching goal is to field the new self-propelled howitzer by 2030.

Key Evaluation Criteria

The Army has outlined several critical criteria for the new artillery system:

• Range: The system must deliver extended reach to engage targets at greater distances.
• Precision: High accuracy is essential to minimize collateral damage and ensure mission success.
• Volume of Fire: The ability to deliver sustained and rapid firepower is crucial for overwhelming adversaries.
• Mobility: The howitzer should be capable of swift movement across various terrains to support dynamic combat operations.
• Supportability: Ease of maintenance and logistical support are vital for prolonged deployments.

Additional considerations include the rate of fire, reloading efficiency, and the capability to relocate quickly between firing positions to evade counter-battery fire.

Background and Rationale

This new competition follows the cancellation of the Extended-Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program, which aimed to extend the range of the M109 Paladin howitzer to 70 kilometers. Performance issues during testing led to the program's termination. Subsequent international evaluations have provided the Army with insights into potential solutions to address existing capability gaps.

Potential Competitors

While specific participants have not been officially confirmed, the Army has previously evaluated self-propelled howitzers from several defense contractors:

• BAE Systems: Known for the M109A7 Paladin, which features a 155 mm cannon and shares common chassis components with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, enhancing mobility and supportability.
• Hanwha Defense: Offers the K9 Thunder, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer renowned for its advanced fire control system and rapid rate of fire.
• Rheinmetall: Developer of the PzH 2000, a 155 mm howitzer recognized for its long-range capabilities and high rate of fire.
• Elbit Systems: Provides the ATMOS, a 155 mm/52 caliber self-propelled gun system noted for its mobility and modularity.
• General Dynamics: Known for various armored vehicle platforms and potential innovations in artillery systems.

Historical Context

The Army's current self-propelled artillery system, the M109 Paladin, first entered service in the 1960s and has undergone numerous upgrades. Previous attempts to develop advanced self-propelled howitzers, such as the Crusader in the 1990s and the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) in the 2000s, were canceled due to shifting defense priorities and technological challenges. The current initiative reflects the Army's renewed commitment to modernizing its artillery capabilities in response to evolving global threats.

The U.S. Army's forthcoming competition for a next-generation self-propelled howitzer represents a pivotal step in strengthening its artillery forces. By focusing on enhanced range, precision, and mobility, the Army aims to equip its units with a cutting-edge system capable of meeting the demands of future battlefields.