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US Army Launches Competition for Next-Generation Self-Propelled Howitzer.
To further enhance its long-range artillery capabilities, the U.S. Army is preparing to launch a competition for a next-generation self-propelled howitzer. This initiative follows a comprehensive evaluation of existing artillery systems. The Army seeks to identify a platform to meet future operational requirements and expand its fire support capabilities.
The M109A7 is a US self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source: US DoD)
Major General Glenn Dean, the Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, confirmed that the competition will be a “full and open” process, expected to begin in mid-February. The first phase of the competition will focus on evaluating mature platforms, with no immediate down-selection. Companies will be awarded contracts to participate and undergo “competitive evaluation testing” through 2026. The feedback gathered during this phase will guide the selection process for the second phase, which is slated for early 2027.
Although the exact number of competitors has not been disclosed, several companies are expected to participate, some of which are already well known to the U.S. Army due to previous evaluations. These companies include BAE Systems, Hanwha Defense, Rheinmetall, Elbit Systems, and General Dynamics. The Army plans to use the feedback from this competition to refine its decision-making process and select the platform that best meets its future needs.
The primary evaluation criteria for the new self-propelled howitzer will include range, precision, and volume of fire. Mobility and maintainability will also be key factors to ensure that the selected platform can provide sustained fire support in various combat environments. Other considerations will include rate of fire, reloading efficiency, and the system's ability to quickly reposition between firing positions.
The competition follows the cancellation of the Extended-Range Artillery Cannon program, which aimed to extend the range of the M109 Paladin howitzer to 70 kilometers (43 miles). The decision to launch a competition for a new self-propelled howitzer reflects the Army’s desire to identify modern solutions that will fill existing capability gaps and better address future artillery needs.
It is worth noting that no French companies are participating in this competition, a situation that may be surprising given the expertise and industrial capabilities of French actors in the artillery field. This absence is due to one of the conditions imposed by the U.S. Army for participation in the program: the requirement for companies to have a production facility located on U.S. soil.
The U.S. Army plans to deploy the new self-propelled howitzer by 2030, although a formal request for proposals has not yet been issued. As the competition progresses, it is expected to shape the future of the Army's artillery platforms, enhancing both the range and effectiveness of its fire support capabilities.