A New Approach to Artillery Development

Following a comprehensive evaluation of existing self-propelled howitzers globally, the US Army has opted to forego further independent development of its own systems. Instead, the service will launch a “full and open” competition to determine the best solutions for next-generation artillery platforms. Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, announced this decision via email to Breaking Defense.

Kickoff of Phase I Request for Proposals

The Army’s competitive process will commence with a Phase I request for proposals (RFP), expected to be released in mid-February. “Phase I is the ‘get to test’ phase which includes further testing of mature platforms, and it will not be a vendor downselect — competition in this phase remains critical,” Dean stated. This initial phase will involve selecting an unspecified number of companies to receive Phase I contracts, which are anticipated to be awarded between July and September. These vendors will then engage in additional „competitive evaluation testing” spanning through fiscal year 2026.

Evaluation Criteria for Competitors

Army leaders intend to assess various competing systems based on their range, precision, volume of fire, mobility, and supportability. The data gathered during Phase I will play a crucial role in informing the evaluations in Phase II, where initial downselects may occur in early FY27. The goal is to prepare for initial fielding of self-propelled howitzers by the year 2030, potentially involving multiple lines of effort in artillery capabilities as the Army reassesses its force structure.

Emphasis on Massed Fires and Operational Flexibility

“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 emphasized. He clarified that the ability to mass fire goes beyond rapid firing rates; it includes the full spectrum of operations such as loading, moving, emplacing, firing, displacing, reloading, and refiring, all while meeting the demands of supported ground forces.

Filling the Gaps Left by Previous Cancellations

While Dean did not elaborate on the specific mix of self-propelled howitzers that may emerge from this new approach, it is clear that the Army is keen to address the capabilities gap created by the cancellation of its Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program. The ERCA prototype had sought to enhance the BAE Systems’ Paladin M109A7 howitzer’s gun barrel to achieve a 70-kilometer range, an improvement from the existing maximum range of approximately 30 kilometers.

Despite continuing work on associated munitions under the ERCA initiative, the Army faced a dilemma regarding whether to revive development of a new platform or adapt an existing one. To make an informed decision, the Army conducted an international roadshow, engaging with leading defense firms from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, Hanwha, General Dynamics, and Elbit Systems.

Positive Early Evaluations

In early December, Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, leader of the Long-Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team, reported encouraging outcomes from these evaluations. Early findings indicate that vendors are “absolutely ready for competitive evaluation,” and Crooks expressed satisfaction with the advances observed, including in the area of autonomy. The Army’s proactive approach signals a commitment to ensuring that its next-generation artillery will effectively meet evolving operational requirements.

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