US Army Orders 40 More M109A7 Paladin Howitzers for $473 Million
The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a $473-million contract for the production of 40 additional M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers.
The award represents the first order under a five-year contract for the latest Paladin variant, which entered service in 2015.
In addition to the 155mm howitzers, the contract covers associated support services, including technical support packages, post-production refurbishment, and welding compliance. The award also includes M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked vehicles to support ammunition resupply operations.
“The M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer provides the firepower and operational advantage Soldiers need on the modern battlefield,” Combat Mission Systems’ Artillery and Combat Support program director for BAE Systems, Dan Furber, said.
“This platform gives warfighters the decisive edge in any conflict, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide this proven capability to the US Army.”
Artillery Modernization
The contract comes amid ongoing US Army efforts to extend artillery range by adopting longer-barrel configurations.
Unlike the M109A7’s 39-caliber barrel, the service is evaluating 52- and 58-caliber options, as longer barrels allow greater expansion of propellant gases and, in turn, increased range.
According to industry estimates, a 52-caliber barrel could enable ranges of up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) — roughly double that of the current M109A7 — while a 58-caliber barrel could extend range further, to approximately 43 miles (70 kilometers).
As part of this effort, BAE Systems has signed a research and development contract with the US Army to develop a 52-caliber version of the M109 self-propelled howitzer.
BAE Systems has positioned the platform as a low-risk, more cost-effective alternative to other systems being evaluated for the US Army’s long-range artillery requirements, including the RCH 155, Archer, Sigma, and the K9.
