Colombia confirms purchase of Israeli Elbit Systems ATMOS 6x6 self-propelled howitzers.

According to information released by the Colombian Ministry of Defense, through support document Agreement 027 / Commitment Number 14323, has confirmed the purchase of the ATMOS 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer produced and manufactured by the Israeli Company Elbit Systems.
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The ATMOS is a 155mm truck-mounted artillery self-propelled howitzer produced and manufactured by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. (Picture source Elbit Systems)

On January 8, 2023, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that the Colombian Army announced a possible acquisition of 18 ATMOS truck-mounted 155mm artillery systems produced by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. Earlier this week, the Israeli firm disclosed a $102 million contract for the sale of the ATMOS artillery system, without revealing the identity of the end customer.

The announcement of this new contract for the Israeli ATMOS comes after Denmark's decision earlier this month regarding the acquisition of the same artillery system. The ATMOS has been sold to several countries around the world, including Azerbaijan, Botswana, Cameroon, Philippines, Thailand, Romania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.

Citing information from the Spanish News website "IndoDefensa", the ATMOS for the Colombian army will be based on the Czech-made Tatra T-815 truck chassis. It will be armed with one 155mm 52 caliber barrel. With the 155mm 52 caliber gun, it can fire all the standard NATO 155mm ammunition with a maximum firing range of 30 km. It can also fire Extended Range Full Bore Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile with a maximum firing range of 41 km.

With a 155mm caliber, the ATMOS can transport up to 27 projectiles and associated charges. The system can be efficiently manned by a compact 4-person crew, with two loaders stationed on either side of the rear. The howitzer boasts a firing rate that ranges from 4 to 9 rounds per minute, making it a highly capable artillery solution.

ATMOS is a component of Elbit Systems' comprehensive lineup of modular artillery solutions, featuring an integrated design with electronic, laying, and loading systems. Equipped with an advanced electronic suite, ATMOS offers enhanced navigation capabilities, enables autonomous operation, reduces crew requirements, boosts firing power, and ensures high-precision accuracy.

Elbit Systems offers an armored cabin as part of its ATMOS howitzer solution, providing enhanced protection for the crew operating the system. The cabin is designed to withstand various types of threats, such as small arms fire, artillery shells, and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). It is also equipped with an air conditioning system and NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection, ensuring that the crew can operate in a comfortable and safe environment.