DSA 2024 : KNDS shows LG1 MK III new variant of light artillery towed gun.

The LG1 is a lightweight cannon developed by the French company Nexter, which is part of the KNDS group, a joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) of Germany and Nexter Systems of France. This artillery system is designed to meet modern armed forces' mobility and efficiency needs, especially in contexts where rapid deployment is crucial. The MK III version was presented at the DSA 2024 exhibition, while Thailand has recently acquired it.
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LG1 MK III towed gun by KNDS at DSA 2024 (Picture source: Army recognition)

The LG1 is a 105 mm cannon that stands out for its lightness and ease of deployment. It weighs about 1650 kg, making it easily transportable by light vehicles, helicopters, or even by air drop. Its design allows for quick implementation, capable of firing its first shots in less than 30 seconds after the transporting vehicle stops.

The LG1 cannon can fire standard NATO 105 mm ammunition, with a maximum range that can reach up to 17 kilometers with propellant charge shells called Extended Range Munitions-ERG 3- and more than 11 kilometers with high explosive ammunition. The system offers high precision thanks to its modern aiming system, which can be coupled with GPS guidance systems for advanced munitions. The LG1 is in service in several armies around the world. Countries such as Belgium, Thailand, and Indonesia have integrated this cannon into their armed forces, benefiting from its ability to provide effective fire support in various operational environments, from mountains and jungles to urban terrains. The LG1 from KNDS represents a light artillery solution suited to modern conflicts where mobility and responsiveness are paramount.

The MK III version has a range of 17 kilometers but also features a remote fire system, which allows the artillery crew to remain protected. Additionally, another improvement is the ability to use shells connected with this RFS system, and therefore guided by GPS, INS, or ballistic computer. Transportable by helicopter and particularly light, the cannon represents a particularly useful support weapon for rapid reaction units.

Since 2020, the KNDS consortium has been focusing on expanding its market presence in Asia by establishing administrative offices in the region, particularly in Singapore and Jakarta. This move aims to strengthen relationships and facilitate operations within the Asian defense markets. Jakarta, having previously purchased 18 CAESAR cannons from Nexter in 2017, represents a significant strategic foothold for KNDS in Southeast Asia. However, the Franco-German consortium faces substantial competition from Chinese defense exports, which are also on the rise both in the region and globally. This growing Chinese presence in the international arms market poses a challenge for KNDS as it seeks to expand and solidify its position in Asia.