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US Army to Launch New Self-Propelled Howitzer Competition: Official

The US Army has decided to launch a new tender process for a next-generation self-propelled howitzer following evaluations of existing artillery systems from various sources.

Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean revealed to Breaking Defense that a “full and open” competition will begin in mid-February, with the first phase focused on further testing of mature platforms.

He emphasized that there would be no downselection in Phase I, as the army will choose the companies that will receive contracts to participate.

While the exact number of competitors has not been disclosed, Dean noted that firms will engage in “competitive evaluation testing” through 2026.

Feedback from this initial phase will be used to narrow down participants for Phase II, with contracts awarded to those selected to proceed in early 2027.

The US Army aims to field its next-generation self-propelled howitzer by 2030.

Requirements

Though a formal request for proposals has yet to be issued, Dean highlighted that the army will prioritize range, precision, and volume in evaluating proposed solutions.

Mobility and supportability will also be key factors.

“To support current and future operations, next-generation artillery must deliver precise and effective fires at range and be able to mass fires to support operations,” Dean explained. “It is not an either/or, but both.”

Additionally, the army will place significant emphasis on factors like rate of fire, as well as the system’s ability to load, reload, refire, and move efficiently.

Filling the Gap

The decision to launch a new self-propelled howitzer competition follows the cancellation of the Extended-Range Artillery Cannon program, which aimed to mount a 30-foot (9-meter) gun tube on the Paladin M109 howitzer to achieve a range capability of 70 kilometers (43 miles).

In recent months, the US Army has conducted international roadshows to identify potential solutions that could address existing gaps in long-range artillery.

An army official revealed in December that these evaluations have been progressing well, with early results suggesting vendors are ready for the upcoming competitive tender process.

While specific companies have not been named, the army has previously expressed interest in self-propelled howitzers from BAE Systems, Hanwha Defense, Rheinmetall, Elbit Systems, and General Dynamics.

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