BAE Systems has collaborated with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC) to progress the development of the M109-52 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) prototype.
This partnership, established through a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA), aims to advance long-range artillery capabilities, integrate new technologies and modernise existing artillery systems used by soldiers.
The M109-52 prototype is designed as a technically low-risk, cost-effective solution that expedites the delivery of essential warfighting capabilities.
The CRADA leverages prior independent research and evaluations conducted by both BAE Systems and DEVCOM-AC.
This approach sets a quicker path for introducing enhanced firepower and lethality to the M109A7 Paladin platform.
Further enhancements to the M109-52 will be carried out at Picatinny Arsenal, with additional contributions from BAE Systems' defence manufacturing network across the US, including facilities in Anniston, Alabama; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Elgin, Oklahoma; York, Pennsylvania; and Sterling Heights, Michigan.
BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems business artillery product line director Dan Furber said: “We are working with DEVCOM-AC to continue modernizing the US Army’s long-range precision fires needs.
“We’re bringing together battle-proven systems with mature technologies to secure a significant leap forward in capability at a much lower cost – that's the power in partnership.”
BAE Systems states that the M109-52 extends the firing range, which is crucial for large-scale combat engagements. The incorporation of a mature 52-caliber system into the existing M109A7 platform ensures a swift pathway for development and deployment.
The latest M109 SPH iteration is being upgrade by integrating the Rheinmetall L52 155mm, 52-caliber cannon system to enhance lethality while maintaining system maturity, weight, and reliability.
The L52 cannon, tested in the field, features a longer barrel and larger combustion chamber for optimized lethality and precision, currently in service with nine Nato allies and partner nations.
Recently, BAE Systems received a contract valued at approximately Skr600m ($62m) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to supply additional Bonus precision-guided munitions to the Swedish Armed Forces.
