US to increase firing range of M109 howitzers

The US Army's M109 self-propelled artillery units will receive extended-range guns, which are installed on the German PzH 2000 SPGs, Report informs referring to Army Recognition.

The BAE Systems company has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC) to accelerate modernization of the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer.

This collaboration will focus on integrating the M109-52 prototype configuration, which includes the Rheinmetall 155 mm L52 cannon, into the existing Paladin fleet, enhancing its long-range precision fire capability.

The new howitzer with a 52-caliber (8,060-millimeter) barrel will replace the M284 gun with a 39-caliber (6,045-millimeter) barrel. The Rheinmetall L52 can hit targets with a conventional projectile at a distance of up to 40 kilometers, and an active-rocket projectile increases the firing range to 70 kilometers. The gun will be placed in a turret with a modified design.