General Dynamics and Nammo to supply US Army with 155mm munitions worth USD 489 Mn.

On September 7, 2023, the ordnance and tactical systems division of General Dynamics and the Florida-based subsidiary of Norwegian defense firm Nammo were awarded a five-year contract worth $488.7 million by the U.S. Army. The contract is for the production of red bag propellant charges, specifically designed for Howitzers equipped with M185 and M199 cannons.
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M198 155mm towed howitzer (Picture source: United States DoD )

The M198 Howitzer is a 155 mm artillery piece of American origin that was introduced in 1979. It requires an 11-man crew for optimal operation. The M199 cannon that equips this howitzer has a barrel length of 39 calibers and can fire projectiles weighing up to 44 kg. In terms of range, the M198 is quite versatile. It can fire up to a maximum distance of 22 km with standard projectiles, 30 km with rocket-assisted projectiles, and up to 39 km when using the M982 Excalibur projectile.

As for the rate of fire, the howitzer can achieve a maximum of 4 rounds per minute and maintain a sustained rate of 2 rounds per minute. The cannon offers great flexibility in terms of elevation and rotation, with an elevation range of -5 to +72 degrees and a traverse range of 45 degrees.

Regarding dimensions and weight, the M198 Howitzer weighs approximately 7.17 tons in combat configuration. Although the dimensions in the travel configuration are not specified, in combat configuration, it measures 11 meters in length and 8.53 meters in width. For mobility, it is generally towed by a 6x6 truck and can reach a road towing speed of 72 km/h and a cross-country towing speed of 8 km/h. One of the most impressive features of the M198 is its quick deployment and displacement, requiring about 6 minutes to set up and approximately 5 minutes to move.

The M185, on the other hand, is a 155 mm cannon tube that equips various versions of the M109, an American self-propelled howitzer. The tube has a total length of 6.7 meters and is capable of firing shells up to a maximum range of 30 km. It is designed to withstand high pressures and extreme temperatures, making it extremely durable and reliable.

The M109 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer that has been in service since the 1960s. It is one of the most widely used artillery systems in the world and has been modernized several times to meet the changing needs of the battlefield. Recent versions like the M109A6 Paladin and the M109A7 PIM offer significant improvements in terms of mobility, protection, and firepower, making this weapon system even more effective in modern operations.

The contract will remain active until September 6, 2028. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the United States has significantly depleted its ammunition stocks and now needs to replenish them. Therefore, it's not surprising to see contracts of such magnitude for this type of ammunition.