BAE Systems to produce more M109A7 SPHs and M992A3 ammunition carriers for US Army.

BAE Systems is set to continue its production of M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers for the U.S. Army, following the award of a $418 million contract. This contract, granted in November 2023, extends the performance period, ensuring vehicle deliveries through 2025.
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The M109A7, the latest addition to BAE Systems' M109 family of vehicles, serves as the primary indirect fire support system for the Army's Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) (Picture source: BAE Systems)

The M109A7, the latest addition to BAE Systems' M109 family of vehicles, serves as the primary indirect fire support system for the Army's Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT). Equipped with modernized capabilities in various aspects including size, weight, power, cooling, readiness, force protection, and survivability, the M109A7 enhances the Army's battlefield capabilities, providing commanders with a more capable and sustainable vehicle.

Dan Furber, director of ground vehicle production for BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business, commented, "This contract furthers our commitment to helping the U.S. Army meet its mission needs. The battlefield is constantly changing, but the ABCT can feel assured in the indirect fire support capability this vehicle provides."

The M109A7 boasts a new design that includes a fresh chassis, engine, transmission, suspension, steering system, a new high-voltage architecture, and improved survivability. Additionally, the program's improved commonality across the ABCT simplifies logistics and reduces operational sustainability costs. The vehicle is also engineered to support higher-caliber extended-range cannon assemblies, aligning with the Army's extended-range lethality objectives.

The M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV) is built on the chassis of the M109-series howitzer. It is also colloquially referred to as a "cat" (referring to its nomenclature, CAT: Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked). It replaced the M548 supply vehicle. Unlike the M548, it is armored.

This contract marks a continuation of BAE Systems' involvement in M109A7 production, having initially secured a contract in 2017. With this latest order, the total contract value now stands at $2.5 billion.

Production and support for the M109A7 and M992A3 vehicles are carried out at multiple locations, including the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama and BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Endicott, New York; Elgin, Oklahoma; and Aiken, South Carolina.

M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer and M992A3 Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked (Picture source: BAE Systems)

Defense News January 2024