U.S. Army 1st Armored Division Artillery enhances its readiness with New M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers.

The U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division announced on February 15, 2026, that its artillery units are enhancing readiness with the M109A7 Paladin howitzer and M992A3 Ammunition Carrier. The move strengthens the division’s ability to deliver timely, accurate fires in support of maneuver forces as the Army prepares for large-scale combat against technologically advanced adversaries.

The U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division announced on February 15, 2026, that its Division Artillery is enhancing readiness with the new M109A7 Paladin tracked self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers. The upgrade ensures U.S. Army Iron Soldiers can deliver timely and accurate fires in support of maneuver elements across the battlefield, reinforcing the division’s armored combat power. By modernizing its artillery fleet with improved mobility, survivability, and digital fire-control systems, the division is enhancing its ability to operate effectively in high-intensity, large-scale combat environments.
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M109A7 Paladin assigned to 1st Armored Division Artillery as part of ongoing readiness enhancement for armored fire support operations. (Picture source: U.S. Army 1st Armored Division X account)

At the center of this capability stands the M109A7 Paladin, the latest generation of the U.S. Army’s 155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. Developed under the Paladin Integrated Management program, the M109A7 retains the combat-proven 39-caliber M284 cannon while introducing a new chassis derived from the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. This redesign incorporates a more powerful engine, upgraded transmission, improved suspension, and a 600-volt onboard electrical system that replaces legacy hydraulic components. The result is a platform with greater reliability, reduced maintenance burden, and increased survivability in high-intensity combat.

Operationally, the M109A7 offers enhanced digital fire control and full integration into the Army’s tactical network architecture. This enables artillery crews to receive targeting data from forward observers, unmanned aerial systems, and counter-battery radars in near real time, shortening the sensor-to-shooter cycle. The howitzer can fire a wide range of NATO-standard 155 mm munitions, including high-explosive, smoke, illumination, rocket-assisted, and precision-guided rounds such as Excalibur. While the barrel remains 39 calibers in length, its digital backbone ensures compatibility with future extended-range munitions as the Army expands its long-range precision fires portfolio.

Equally critical to sustained operations is the M992A3 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle. Built on the same tracked chassis as the M109A7, the M992A3 provides armored ammunition transport and resupply directly within the firing battery. Sharing automotive and electrical components with the howitzer simplifies logistics and maintenance across the formation. The vehicle carries up to 95 155 mm projectiles along with propellant charges and fuzes, allowing artillery units to maintain high rates of fire during prolonged engagements without exposing crews to unnecessary risk.

For the U.S. Army, the 1st Armored Division Artillery represents a key heavy fires formation capable of supporting armored brigade combat teams in expeditionary and high-end conflict scenarios. As part of one of the Army’s premier armored divisions, the artillery brigade provides division-level fire support, shaping the battlefield by suppressing enemy artillery, degrading air defense systems, and striking command-and-logistics nodes before maneuver forces close with the enemy. In large-scale combat operations, such fires are decisive in enabling breakthroughs and maintaining operational momentum.

The integration of the M109A7 and M992A3 enhances not only lethality but also survivability and endurance. In contested environments where counter-battery radars, electronic warfare, and long-range precision strikes are persistent threats, the ability to fire rapidly, displace quickly, and sustain operations under armored protection is essential. By modernizing its cannon artillery fleet, the 1st Armored Division strengthens the Army’s overall capacity to deliver responsive and protected indirect fires at scale.

For the U.S. Army Iron Soldiers, the readiness enhancement translates directly into operational credibility. For the U.S. Army, it reinforces the central role of armored artillery in combined arms warfare, ensuring that heavy divisions remain equipped to dominate across the full spectrum of conflict.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.