BAE Systems has secured a $535m to manufacture extra M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs) and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army.
The M109A7 Paladin, the latest version in BAE Systems’ M109 series, is said to be a key capability in the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) formation.
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According to BAE Systems, this self-propelled howitzer can deliver targeted attacks in under 30 seconds when stationary, or within a minute while manoeuvring.
This capability is intended to improve “survivability and effectiveness” under high-threat conditions, it stated.
The system also features an adaptable chassis and updated components and is described as among the lightest tracked howitzers currently deployed.
Operated with a crew of four, the M109A7 Paladin measures 9.7 metres (m) in length, 3.9m in width, and 3.3m in height, with a maximum gross weight of 35,380 kilograms.
The vehicle is fitted with a 155mm M284 cannon mounted on an M182A1 gun mount, alongside an automated loading system. The artillery system can sustain a firing rate of one round per minute, with a maximum rate of fire of four rounds per minute.
The M109A7 can achieve a range of 22 kilometres using standard projectiles and up to 30 kilometres with rocket-assisted projectiles.
BAE Systems Artillery Programmes for Combat Mission Systems vice president Dan Furber said: “The M109A7 Paladin is a battle-proven platform that delivers what Soldiers need to succeed on today’s battlefield.
“With its reliable performance and robust industrial base, the Paladin ensures our troops have the firepower and support they can count on when it matters most.”
The ongoing contract work forms part of a broader effort between BAE Systems and the US Army, which have previously signed a memorandum of understanding under the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) programme.
This initiative covers upgrades to the M109A6 Paladin howitzer and the associated M992A2 field artillery ammunition support vehicle, with an intention to eventually procure 580 sets.
The programme is designed to support operational requirements up to 2050.
Earlier in February, BAE Systems was awarded a separate contract exceeding $500m, also to supply additional M109A7 Paladin howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers.
In January, the US Army Contracting Command (ACC) Detroit awarded the company a $473m contract for the production of 40 further M109A7 sets.
