Brazilian army receives new batch of M109A5 155mm self-propelled howitzers.

According to information published by the "Defesa Aéra & Naval" website on December 2, 2021, the 29th Self-Propelled Field Artillery Group of the Brazilian army has received a new batch of M109A5 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer.
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Brazilian army M109A5 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source Brazilian army)

According to the Military Balance 2020, the artillery units of the Brazilian army are equipped with 431 towed guns including 233 105mm M101/M102, 40 105mm L118 Light Gun, 63 Model 56 105mm pack, 95 155mm M114 as well as 241 self-propelled howitzers including 72 105mm M108, 39 155mm M109A3, 100 155mm M109A5 and 32 155mm M109A5+.

In June 2014, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brazil for M109A5+ upgrade kits and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $110 million.

The Government of Brazil has requested a possible sale of 40 M109A5 kits to upgrade 40 M109A5 Self Propelled Howitzers to the M109A5+ configuration, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

BAE Systems was awarded a $54 million U.S. Government Foreign Military Sales contract in 2016 to provide the upgraded M109A5+ self-propelled howitzers to the Brazilian Army. Under the contract, BAE Systems has also been providing the Brazilian Army with technological know-how and support through the lifecycle of the delivered vehicles.

Brazil continues to modernize its artillery capability and enhance the Brazilian Armed Forces’ readiness. The reconfigured howitzers provide the Brazilian Army with a much-needed upgrade to this capability while further enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other military forces.

The M109A5 Self-Propelled Howitzer is easily customized to specific mission requirements, including increased ammunition storage; improved ammunition handling; position and navigation systems; and automated fire control and communication systems. The M109A5's M284 cannon and M182 mount extend the howitzer's firing range by 25 percent over earlier M109s. The A5 can carry 36 complete rounds of ammunition, with an assisted firing range of 30 km. The M109A5 fires all NATO standard 155mm ammunition. Its external NATO power receptacle permits the M109A5 to be electrically powered by the M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV). A high degree of logistics commonality with other M109 family vehicles facilitates both maintenance and training.