Exclusive: Elbit America Proposes Israeli-Made SIGMA 155mm for US Army NGH Artillery Program.

During the AUSA 2024 defense exhibition and conference held in Washington D.C., United States, Elbit America, the American division of the Israeli Company Elbit Systems, displayed a scale model of its new SIGMA, a wheeled self-propelled howitzer designed to respond to the needs of the U.S. Army's new mobile howitzer in the framework of the Next Generation Howitzer (NGH).
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Elbit America showcases a scale model of the SIGMA 155mm automated self-propelled howitzer at AUSA 2024, a defense exhibition and conference in Washington D.C., United States. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The U.S. Army's Next Generation Howitzer (NGH) project is part of an ongoing effort to modernize its artillery systems, specifically focusing on a new, more mobile, and lethal 155mm howitzer. This initiative comes after the termination of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program in early 2024, which had faced technical difficulties. The NGH program aims to develop a system capable of greater range, mobility, and survivability, particularly suited for future near-peer conflicts expected around 2040 and beyond.

One of the key features of this project is the emphasis on a truck-mounted platform, which would allow for better mobility and integration with fast-moving units like Stryker formations. The U.S. Army's fiscal year 2025 budget request has allocated $8 million for early-stage studies and hardware development, with evaluations scheduled to take place in the coming years. Industry players such as BAE Systems, Elbit America, and Rheinmetall are among those expected to participate in competitive evaluations to propose solutions.

The goal is to develop a self-propelled howitzer system that can be produced domestically by 2030. This system would replace aging towed howitzers like the M777, which, while effective, lack the mobility needed for modern, rapidly evolving battlefields​.

The SIGMA howitzer, developed by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, is a state-of-the-art, fully automated, self-propelled artillery system. Designed around the 155mm NATO-standard caliber, the SIGMA system has been optimized for both range and precision, playing a critical role in modern military operations that require fast, mobile, and highly accurate artillery support.

SIGMA's key strength lies in its automation and mobility. Unlike traditional towed artillery or less mobile tracked systems, SIGMA is mounted on a wheeled platform, allowing for quicker repositioning on the battlefield. This increased mobility is essential in environments where artillery units must quickly adapt to changing tactical situations and avoid enemy counter-fire. The system's automation minimizes the need for large crews and allows it to rapidly load, aim, and fire without significant human intervention. This not only reduces manpower requirements but also increases operational efficiency.

The SIGMA system is equipped with advanced targeting and ballistic systems, enabling it to strike targets at ranges of up to 40 km, depending on the ammunition used. This range can be extended with specialized munitions like rocket-assisted projectiles. Furthermore, the system's network-centric design integrates seamlessly with broader military command-and-control infrastructures, allowing it to receive targeting data from sources like drones and ground-based radar, enabling precise and coordinated strikes.

Elbit Systems began production of the SIGMA in the early 2020s, with the system aimed at replacing older artillery platforms in Israel and other nations' arsenals. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly been among the first to deploy SIGMA, with deliveries beginning around 2023, after an extensive development and testing phase. While the system is relatively new, it is designed for versatile use, from direct fire support to counter-battery operations and precision strikes against high-value targets.