Modernization Efforts Resume After Months of Uncertainty
After a period of pauses and uncertainty, the Army has released a request for proposal (RFP) for its self-propelled howitzer competition, signaling a renewed commitment to modernizing its field artillery portfolio.
Army Prioritizes 155mm Self-Propelled Artillery
„Over the past 8 months, the US Army has been re-evaluating its objectives for modernization and adjusting those objectives to best support the new Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) strategy,” the RFP stated. „Comprehensive analysis has confirmed the importance of 155mm self-propelled artillery system-of-systems to the Army.” The Army is now exploring opportunities for rapid soldier experimentation.
Seeking Existing Platforms After ERCA Setback
Following the termination of its Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) platform development, Army officials embarked on a search for existing self-propelled howitzers last year. After evaluating offerings from BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, Hanwha, and Rheinmetall, the service announced a competition to select an existing platform.
RFP Follows Pause Due to ATI
The competition was initially slated to begin with a Phase I RFP in mid-February, but the program was put on hold as a result of the ATI. This RFP is the first document the Army has released regarding the competition since its pause earlier this year.
Solutions for Transformation in Contact Initiative
The RFP, authored by the Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, seeks solutions that will „likely involve temporarily” providing self-propelled howitzer systems to brigades participating in the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) initiative. This initiative aims to rapidly test new equipment with units both domestically and abroad to assess its real-world performance.
Emphasis on US-Made and -Manufactured Solutions
While the scope and organization of the soldier experiment are still being defined, the RFP suggests a preference for US-made and -manufactured solutions. It directs respondents to provide a summary of their current supply chain and suppliers used in the USA, including a map of major supplier locations, highlighting those outside of the USA.
Onshoring Production and Delivery Timelines
„If not currently produced in the USA, describe how you would onshore production of the proposed system to the USA, including barrel production. Identify current US manufacturing facilities and sources of supply,” the RFP added. It also asks industry for estimated delivery times for one US-produced self-propelled howitzer and for six.
Industry Concerns Over Tight Timelines and Production Challenges
One industry source closely following the program expressed concerns about the RFP’s tight timeline, particularly given ongoing foreign conflicts where the artillery could be used. The source noted that producing a howitzer typically takes about two years due to long lead times for parts and barrel forging. Several of the companies that participated in last year’s roadshow do not currently produce their platforms exclusively in the US.
Potential Flexibility in Requirements
Despite these concerns, the RFP and its associated questions do not necessarily mean the Army will require companies to hand over six howitzers within the next few months for a demo. The number and timeframe could change based on responses, which are due back to the Army by October 10.
Informational Purposes Only
„This RFI is for informational purposes only,” the Army document stated. „The information in this notice is subject to change and is not binding on the USG.”
