Automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer @Elbit Systems
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have conducted
a live fire demonstration of an automated
155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer.
The demonstration of the new system took
place in early March 2023 at the Shivta
firing range in southern Israel. It was
attended by high-ranking officials of the
armed forces of the United Kingdom, Germany,
the Netherlands and Hungary.
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems signed a
cooperation agreement last year to develop,
manufacture and market an automated European
155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer
system.
Led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the
“Rheinmetall Elbit” team will compete for
Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire,
Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF)” programme, which
will modernize and broaden the Bundeswehr’s
artillery capabilities. The UK’s “Mobile
Fires Platform” programme also remains a
focus and additional potential customers,
such as Hungary, have expressed interest.
The cooperation between Rheinmetall and Elbit builds on the fully automated wheeled selfpropelled howitzer procurement programmes that Elbit has signed with Israel and additional customers. As a result, a technically mature system is already available, enabling the integration of a Rheinmetall gun into the unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret of the Elbit system. The integration is currently in an advanced phase of the verification process. This will help reduce development risks and enable faster realization of operational readiness.
Intensive bilateral technology transfer is currently underway. Rheinmetall is currently carrying out modifications to customize the system to European operational requirements and the German regulatory approval process. Furthermore, it is bringing its 155mm L52 gun; high mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a well-protected cabin; and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite to the solution.