Switzerland’s procurement authority, armasuisse, has signed a contract with KNDS for the supply of 32 DONAR 10×10 wheeled howitzer systems as part of the country’s effort to modernise its artillery.
The agreement, Switzerland’s largest investment in artillery in recent years, will see the Swiss Armed Forces replacing their decades-old M109 howitzers.
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Deliveries of the new systems scheduled to commence in 2031, following prototype completion and qualification in 2027 and 2028.
Acting as prime contractor, KNDS will deliver the artillery units, which pair the company’s Artillery Gun Module (AGM) with the Piranha IV (10×10) chassis provided by GDELS-Mowag.
The contract also covers ammunition loading containers developed by KNDS, simulation equipment, ammunition, logistical support, spare parts, and documentation.
In addition, a selection of contemporary projectiles, detonators, and ammunition is included in the scope of the project.
KNDS Deutschland CEO Florian Hohenwarter said: “With this contract, KNDS is implementing Switzerland’s largest artillery procurement project of recent years. We are grateful not only for this significant procurement order itself, but also for the decades-long partnership and the fundamental trust placed in us by the Swiss user community and armasuisse.
“KNDS will deliver more than just wheeled howitzers. As a systems provider, we offer a comprehensive mission solution tailored to customer requirements—from system training and maintenance, to logistical support, and even ammunition storage.”
The DONAR 10×10 integrates the remote-operated AGM, which provides command and control, navigation, and fire control functions.
The system can be run by a two-person crew, with optional space for a third or for additional storage.
The configuration enables a 360-degree firing arc and the ability to fire while moving, using a multi-link suspension system that does not require mechanical stabilisation.
In addition, the DONAR 10×10 also offers Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability and supports both direct and indirect targeting of moving land and sea targets.
The latest contract comes after armasuisse selected the PIRANHA IV 10×10 Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC) with the 155m AGM in 2024.
KNDS previously delivered the AGM module in the RCH 155 configuration on the 8×8 BOXER armoured platform, which is contracted in Germany, the UK, Qatar, and Ukraine.
