BAE Systems to produce more M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzers for US Army.

According to a contract released by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) on May 12, 2022, BAE Systems Land & Armaments was awarded a $24,120,717 modification contract for the production and delivery of a new batch of M109A7 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer and M992A3 tracked artillery ammunition vehicles for the U.S. Army.
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U.S. soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment (2-82 FA), 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, send the first set of Artillery rounds down range with the new M109A7 Paladin and M992A3 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle, Sept. 17, 2020. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2025. Fiscal 2022 weapons and tracked combat vehicle procurement, Army funds in the amount of $24,120,717 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

The M109A7 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer along with the M992A3 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV) provides the primary indirect-fire support to U.S. Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT), Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.

The M109A7 SPH and M992A3 CAT comprise a modernization effort to improve size, weight, power, cooling, readiness, force protection, and survivability. They increase M109A6 Paladin and the M992A2 FAASV platforms’ sustainability through 2050. The platforms will also be fitted with Blue Force Tracker capability to ensure situational awareness with other friendly forces. The program has leveraged Bradley commonality for key components – engine, transmission, final drive and suspension – in a new hull. The new electric-gun drives and rammer components, as well as a microclimate air conditioning system, will be powered by the common modular power system utilizing a 600-volt onboard electrical system in the existing cab and cannon assembly.

The M109A7 SPH 155mm self-propelled howitzer is armed with a 39-caliber 155mm M284 cannon, which is fitted with an M182A1 gun mount and has a range of 24 km using unassisted rounds or 30 km using assisted rounds.

The M992A3 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV) is built on the same chassis that the M109A7. Also known as the CAT (Carrier Ammunition Tracked) this vehicle serves as a heavily armored munitions carrier. More specifically, munitions designed for the M109A7 tracked self-propelled howitzer.