Israeli SIGMA 155mm 10x10 Self-Propelled Howitzer Could Be Deployed in Conflict with Hezbollah.

According to information from the Israeli media AllIsraelNews, Israel is considering deploying its new automated SIGMA howitzer in its conflict with Hezbollah. With the military capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza significantly reduced since the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) began their ground campaign last October, Israel's focus is increasingly shifting to the northern threat, where Hezbollah, backed by Iran, poses a growing security risk.
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The SIGMA is expected to play a key role in future IDF operations, with mass production scheduled for 2025 (Picture source: Elbit System)

The Israeli defense company Elbit Systems is in the final stages of developing the SIGMA, the world's most advanced fully automated howitzer. This cutting-edge system, designed to replace the Israeli army's older artillery units, could soon be deployed against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Developed over five years, the howitzer can fire eight shells per minute, double the rate of current artillery systems.

In May 2019, the Israeli government announced a $125 million contract as part of a 12-year, $280 million program to replace the M109 tracked howitzers in service with the Israeli armed forces. The defense website Janes published an image in July 2021 showing the SIGMA 155, a new wheeled self-propelled howitzer designed by Elbit Systems, which could replace the M109 in Israeli service.

Like many armies worldwide, Israel seeks to replace tracked howitzers with wheeled models, which are lighter and can be deployed more quickly by rapid response units using military transport aircraft. In addition to increased mobility, this solution simplifies logistics.

The SIGMA 155 will be based on the LVSR 10x10 military truck, manufactured by the American company Oshkosh Defense. This truck, with five axles and ten-wheel drive, can be configured according to mission requirements. The cockpit, mounted at the front of the vehicle, appears armored to protect the crew from small arms fire and artillery shell fragments.

The turret mounted at the rear of the chassis will be remotely controlled and equipped with a 155mm/52 caliber barrel, featuring a fully automated loading system. The crew cabin can accommodate two to three operators who can conduct all firing operations from inside. When in firing position, hydraulically operated spades are deployed on each side of the chassis to stabilize the vehicle, and are retracted after firing operations, allowing the vehicle to leave the position.

Major Nati, from the IDF Artillery Corps, expressed satisfaction with the test results of the SIGMA, highlighting the exceptional precision of the howitzer and its potential to revolutionize the IDF's artillery capabilities. He also emphasized that no other fully automated howitzer compares to it globally.

Equipped with AI-integrated technology, the SIGMA was tested in extreme conditions, including a 10,000-kilometer trial in the Nevada desert (Picture source: Elbit System)

Over the weekend, the threat from Hezbollah against northern Israel intensified, with the launch of around 50 rockets on Israeli territory. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, who recently visited Israel's northern border on the Golan Heights, warned Hezbollah that the Israeli army is preparing for potential offensive operations in Lebanon. Halevi specified that the IDF Northern Command is working to neutralize some of Hezbollah's capabilities before they can be used against Israel.

The SIGMA is expected to play a key role in future IDF operations, with mass production scheduled for 2025. In addition to significantly improving firing capabilities, Elbit's automated howitzer will also reduce manpower requirements. Where the older M109 requires a crew of eight soldiers, the SIGMA will need only three operators: a mission commander, a gunner, and a driver.

Equipped with AI-integrated technology, the SIGMA was tested in extreme conditions, including a 10,000-kilometer trial in the Nevada desert. This system allows it to fire a shell within 60 seconds, with impressive accuracy, deviating by only 0.7%.

Roni Flex, chief engineer at Elbit, recalled the initial challenges faced during the development of the SIGMA's specialized barrels, explaining that it initially took two and a half months to produce the first barrel, whereas now it takes only ten days. The IDF plans to use the SIGMA for the next 50 years, though the older artillery units will remain available for reserve troops.

Despite its small size, Israel has established itself as a major player in the development of cutting-edge military equipment, strengthened by its significant military experience. In July, Elbit Systems had already unveiled a futuristic artillery piece called Roem, described as "the first cannon in the world capable of automatic firing."