Internationale ontwikkelingen artillerie

[Harald]

Norway approves $1.9 billion purchase of K239 Chunmoo MLRS from South Korea for long-range strikes.

Norway's parliament has approved the funding of 19 billion Norwegian kroner, approximately $1.91 billion, for the acquisition of a long-range precision fire system from South Korea, identified as the K239 Chunmoo.

On January 16, 2026, NRK, the state-owned public service broadcaster in Norway, announced that a parliamentary majority cleared the political path for the Norwegian government's proposed financing for the acquisition of a long-range precision fire system with ranges of up to 500 kilometers from South Korea, identified as the K239 Chunmoo. The decision authorizes a 19 billion kroner procurement package covering launchers, munitions, training, and logistical support. The approval enables the government to proceed toward contract execution.

Norway's move toward long-range precision fires is rooted in structural changes to its land forces since the end of the Cold War and the gradual removal of legacy rocket artillery from its inventory. The Norwegian Army previously operated the M270 MLRS, but this capability was phased out during force restructuring in the 1990s and 2000s, leaving Norway without an active heavy multiple rocket launcher force for more than a decade. By the early 2020s, this absence had become a recognized capability gap, particularly as the security environment in Eastern Europe and the Arctic deteriorated following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, long-range precision fires were redefined as a core Army requirement intended to restore the ability to strike targets at extended distances with accuracy, support NATO deterrence objectives, and reinforce national defense across peace, crisis, and conflict.

This led to the creation of the Long Range Precision Fire System program, which aimed to reintroduce a modern MLRS capability supported by training, sustainment, and integration from the outset. As the program took shape, Norway assessed multiple candidate systems capable of delivering long-range and precision effects, reflecting both operational and industrial considerations. The U.S. M142 HIMARS entered the process through a Foreign Military Sales pathway that included authorization for up to 16 launchers, while European solutions such as EuroPULS were also examined during earlier phases before being set aside. South Korea's K239 Chunmoo, offered by Hanwha Aerospace, emerged as a prominent option as Norway evaluated cost, delivery timelines, missile range, and adaptability. The Chunmoo's relevance was reinforced by existing defense cooperation between Norway and South Korea, notably through the earlier acquisition of K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles.

Within this competitive context, the Norwegian debate centered on how quickly a credible long-range fire capability could be fielded, how resilient the supply chain would be in a crisis, and whether diversification beyond traditional U.S. and European suppliers could strengthen overall defense readiness. Several considerations shaped the political debate during program development. Some parties emphasized supplier geography, resilience of supply chains, and the value of Northern European industrial cooperation. Others stressed delivery timelines and the need to field the capability without reopening lengthy evaluations. The Conservative Party highlighted a separation of responsibilities where parliament approves financing while the government conducts procurement and selects suppliers.

This framing supported moving forward once funding was authorized. The resulting majority, formed by the government with support from the Green Party and the Conservative Party, reflected acceptance of speed and readiness as priorities. The debate focused on how quickly the Army could gain credible deep-strike capacity. The outcome allowed the government to now proceed toward contract execution. Opposing parties argued for reopening the process in favor of a Norwegian-European cooperation path. The acquisition of the MLRS is handled alongside other large defense investments, including submarines.

The K239 Chunmoo originated from South Korea's requirement to replace the aging K136 Kooryong multiple rocket launcher, which had entered service in the late 1970s to counter North Korean artillery threats. By the 2000s, the Kooryong faced growing limitations due to component obsolescence and insufficient range against newer multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) fielded by North Korea. In response, South Korea launched a replacement effort in 2009 aimed at restoring balance in counter-battery and deep-fire missions. The program sought a system capable of higher accuracy, longer reach, and compatibility with modern command and fire control architectures. The Chunmoo's development concluded in late 2013 after four years of work. Initial production followed in 2014, with operational deployment beginning in 2015. The system was designed primarily to suppress enemy artillery and strike hardened targets in wartime scenarios.

The development process marked a shift in South Korea's defense-industrial approach, as the Chunmoo became the first major artillery program led primarily by domestic private defense companies rather than a purely state-directed model. The launcher architecture was designed to leverage lessons from operating the M270 MLRS while transitioning to a wheeled configuration to reduce acquisition, operating, and lifecycle costs. Over time, the K239 evolved from an unguided rocket launcher into a modular long-range precision fire system integrating guided rockets and tactical ballistic missiles. Improvements focused on automated fire control, reduced reaction times, and faster reload cycles compared with earlier tracked systems. Subsequent upgrades expanded missile integration options, including compatibility with new tactical surface-to-surface missiles. Research efforts since the early 2020s have also concentrated on extended-range rockets and improved propulsion concepts, in order to position the K239 Chunmoo as a scalable rocket system.

Speaking of which, in terms of rockets and missiles, the Chunmoo supports a wide range of calibers and mission profiles through containerized launch pods. Standard loads include K33 131 mm unguided rockets with a range of 36 km and KM26A2 230 mm rockets derived from the M26 family with a 45 km range. The CGR-080 239 mm guided rocket provides precision strike capability out to 80 km using GPS-aided inertial navigation and can carry either a high-explosive penetrator warhead or a submunition payload. At the upper end, the launcher system integrates tactical missiles such as the CTM-MR and CTM-290, with maximum ranges of 160 km and 290 km respectively. Accuracy values are stated at 15 m CEP for CGR-080 and 9 m CEP for CTM-290. Ongoing development aims to extend 239 mm rocket ranges toward 200 km using ducted rocket propulsion.

The Chunmoo launcher is mounted on a Korean K239L 8x8 wheeled chassis, with a combat weight of about 31 tonnes and a three-person crew. The vehicle is powered by a 450 hp HD Hyundai Infracore DV11K diesel engine coupled to an Allison 4500SP automatic transmission, enabling road speeds up to 80 km/h and an operational range of 450 km. Protection is provided by an armored cab rated to STANAG 4569 Level 2, offering resistance to small arms fire and shell fragments, along with NBC protection. The rear-mounted launcher carries two interchangeable pods and is integrated with digital fire control and GPS/INS navigation. Six 239 mm rockets can be fired within 30 seconds, with a full salvo of 12 rockets in about one minute, while reloading two pods takes roughly seven minutes using a dedicated ammunition support vehicle.

Currently, the K239 Chunmoo is operated by South Korea's Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, with more than 200 systems in service and additional units planned. Export variants have broadened its footprint, most notably Poland's Homar-K, which combines an improved Chunmoo launcher module with a Jelcz 8x8 chassis and Polish TOPAZ battle management system. Poland has ordered 290 launchers, with over 100 already in active service. The United Arab Emirates operates 12 systems delivered in 2021, while Saudi Arabia fields 36 units in service. Estonia has contracted for six launchers with associated missiles for delivery over several years. Additional discussions or industrial agreements have involved countries such as Norway, Egypt, Romania, and the Philippines.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/norway-approves-1-9-billion-purchase-of-k239-chunmoo-mlrs-from-south-korea-for-long-range-strikes

[Harald]

Rheinmetall and EM&E Submit Joint Proposal for Spain's SILAM High-Mobility Rocket Launcher Program

Rheinmetall and Spain's EM&E Group have submitted a joint proposal to the Spanish Ministry of Defence to develop a national high-mobility rocket artillery system under the SILAM program. The move underscores Madrid's push for sovereign long-range fires and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.

Rheinmetall and Spain's EM&E Group have formally submitted a joint proposal to the Spanish Ministry of Defence for the development of a national high-mobility rocket launcher system under the SILAM (Sistema Lanzador de Alta Movilidad) program. Announced on January 14, 2026, the initiative signals a strategic redirection of Spain's long-range fires modernization toward sovereign capability and industrial self-reliance, breaking away from dependency on foreign systems. The proposal is led by UTE SILAM, a "Unión Temporal de Empresas" (Temporary Business Union) formed between Rheinmetall Expal Munitions and EM&E, created to deliver a Spanish-designed and manufactured artillery solution with long-term sustainability.

According to Rheinmetall, the proposal includes the phased development and delivery of operational and test launchers, guided and training rockets, reconnaissance vehicles, and command and control platforms. Designed from the outset as a fully national program, the system has been developed through sustained cooperation with the Directorate General of Armament and Material, aligning the project with Spain's operational requirements and strategic defense objectives.

The SILAM initiative is directly integrated into the Spanish Ministry of Defence's Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence. As a result, it aims to reinforce the national industrial and technological base, develop sovereign capabilities in guided munitions, and consolidate Spain's role as a capable and reliable defense actor within the European Union and NATO. Rheinmetall highlights that the program will enable Spain to independently design, develop, and manufacture advanced rocket artillery systems, granting full control over the system's lifecycle and critical technologies.

While the current UTE SILAM proposal is presented as a nationally driven industrial initiative, it reflects a broader reorientation of the program's trajectory. Earlier phases of SILAM had been associated with the integration of the PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) developed by Elbit Systems, for which a contract was awarded in 2023 involving Spanish industrial partners. That contract was subsequently terminated by the Spanish authorities, following a reassessment of the program within a changing strategic and political context. This decision marked a recalibration of Spain's approach to long-range fires procurement and opened the way for a domestically led solution, now advanced through the joint proposal submitted by Rheinmetall and EM&E.

Although the new UTE SILAM architecture remains confidential, Rheinmetall's past experience with the MARS II launcher and other NATO-standard artillery systems suggests that the proposed Spanish solution will likely incorporate modular pod launchers capable of firing various calibers, potentially ranging from 122mm to 227mm, including precision-guided munitions. These configurations would place SILAM in the same capability class as the U.S.-made HIMARS and the previously considered Israeli Lynx.

From a technical standpoint, UTE SILAM is expected to prioritize mobility, modularity, and C4I integration. The inclusion of command post and reconnaissance vehicles in the proposal points to a system designed for digital networked operations, capable of integrating with NATO joint fires networks. While specific performance data, such as range or rocket type, has not been disclosed, the emphasis on guided munitions and operational testing phases signals an ambition to produce a cutting-edge system tailored for the Spanish Army's evolving operational doctrine.

Strategically, the move to a sovereign launcher system marks a broader shift in European defense policy. In the context of the war in Ukraine and persistent questions over European strategic autonomy, the SILAM program illustrates Spain's intent to reduce reliance on non-EU defense suppliers and strengthen its national defense industry. By developing its own precision fires capability, Spain joins a small group of countries with full-spectrum guided rocket artillery development, an area traditionally dominated by the United States, Israel, Russia, and China.

Furthermore, if the UTE SILAM system proves successful, Spain could emerge as a future supplier of European-made rocket artillery, offering partner nations a viable alternative to U.S. and Israeli systems. The program could also feed into broader EU defense initiatives, including Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects focused on joint fire support and munitions stockpiling.

The Rheinmetall-EM&E proposal for SILAM represents far more than a procurement offer. It is a deliberate move to reassert control over one of the most critical battlefield capabilities of modern warfare, precision long-range firepower, while advancing Spain's defense industrial autonomy. Whether the Spanish Ministry of Defence chooses to endorse this national path over established foreign systems will shape not only the future of its land forces but also its role within an evolving European defense landscape.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/rheinmetall-and-em-e-submit-joint-proposal-for-spains-silam-high-mobility-rocket-launcher-program

[Harald]

Groot-Brittannië bestelt RCH 155 houwitsers op wielen.

https://share.google/WCcGlkB7kbAPGp5aV

Het Verenigd Koninkrijk heeft een contract getekend voor de aanschaf van RCH 155 rupshouwitsers ter waarde van £52 miljoen (ongeveer €60 miljoen), zo blijkt uit een verklaring van het Britse Ministerie van Defensie van 28 december 2025. Het ministerie noemt Duitsland als contractpartner. Het is onduidelijk of dit verwijst naar de Duitse strijdkrachten (Bundeswehr) of naar ARTEC, de contractpartner van de Bundeswehr voor de aanschaf van de RCH 155.

Gezamenlijke Duits-Britse ontwikkeling en inkoop
Op 19 december sloot het Bundeswehr-agentschap voor materieel, informatietechnologie en operationele ondersteuning (BAAINBw) een raamovereenkomst met ARTEC, de joint venture Rheinmetall-KNDS Duitsland, voor de productie en levering van maximaal 500 RCH 155 (op afstand bestuurbare houwitser 155 mm) houwitsers op wielen. Ook andere landen kunnen zich bij de raamovereenkomst aansluiten, zoals Groot-Brittannië inmiddels blijkbaar heeft gedaan.

Het contract met het Verenigd Koninkrijk voorziet in de levering van een ultramodern Early Capability Demonstrator (ECD)-platform van de RCH 155 aan het eiland, terwijl nog twee exemplaren naar Duitsland gaan voor gezamenlijke tests.

Volgens het Britse ministerie van Defensie is deze gezamenlijke aanschaf een uiting van de verdiepte defensiesamenwerking tussen Groot-Brittannië en Duitsland in het kader van de Trinity House-overeenkomst, die in oktober 2024 werd ondertekend – een baanbrekende defensieovereenkomst waarin beide landen zich hebben verbonden tot militaire samenwerking.

De kracht van de Trinity House-overeenkomst
Volgens de overeenkomst zullen het Verenigd Koninkrijk en Duitsland testgegevens en -faciliteiten delen om ervoor te zorgen dat beide landen beschikken over apparatuur van wereldklasse. Dit betekent dat beide landen hun aanschaftermijnen zullen verkorten en de kosten zullen verlagen, wat resulteert in grotere voordelen voor de belastingbetaler en verbeterde capaciteiten voor beide strijdkrachten.

"Dit gezamenlijke demonstratieprogramma onderstreept de kracht en ambitie van de Trinity House-overeenkomst. Door nauw samen te werken met Duitsland versnellen we niet alleen de levering van artillerie van wereldklasse aan het Britse leger, maar doen we dit ook efficiënter en kosteneffectiever dan elk land afzonderlijk zou kunnen bereiken", aldus Edward Cutts, hoofd Mobiele Vuurkracht van het Britse leger.

Langetermijnoplossing RCH 155
De RCH 155 is naar verluidt een oplossing voor de lange termijn voor de behoefte van het Britse leger aan mobiele vuurplatforms. Momenteel gebruiken soldaten 14 Archer-artilleriesystemen, die dienen als tijdelijke vervanging voor de AS90-kanonnen die aan Oekraïne zijn gedoneerd.

"Het Britse leger krijgt binnenkort nieuwe artillerie die kan vuren terwijl het in beweging is. Dit bouwt voort op de ervaring die is opgedaan in Oekraïne en stelt ons leger in staat om doelen op een afstand van 70 km te raken en zich snel buiten de vuurlinie te bewegen om opnieuw te vuren", aldus Luke Pollard, minister van Defensieparaatheid en Industrie.

RCH 155 – Een kwantumsprong in mobiele artillerie
De artilleriemodule van de RCH 155 is als missiemodule geïntegreerd op een Boxer-aandrijfmodule. Het ministerie schrijft dat de RCH 155

- Binnen enkele seconden gebruiksklaar zijn en, afhankelijk van het type munitie, acht schoten per minuut afvuren met een bereik tot 70 km.
- Doelen in alle richtingen bereiken zonder dat herpositionering nodig is.
- Het kan snel opnieuw worden ingezet en zich met snelheden tot 100 km/u verplaatsen, waardoor het voor tegenstanders moeilijker wordt om het te raken.
- om 700 km af te leggen zonder te tanken en
- Dankzij de allernieuwste automatisering kan het apparaat met slechts twee bemanningsleden worden bediend.


De RCH 155 vertegenwoordigt een enorme sprong voorwaarts in mobiele artillerie – het combineert verwoestende vuurkracht met het vermogen om zich snel te verplaatsen, vervolgde Cutts. "Deze samenwerking zorgt ervoor dat onze soldaten zijn uitgerust met de modernste technologie en versterkt tegelijkertijd de interoperabiliteit tussen de Britse en Duitse strijdkrachten, wat cruciaal is voor de collectieve verdediging van de NAVO."

[Ace1]

Polen investeert 3,3 miljard euro in samenwerking met Zuid-Korea voor raketproductie

Polen zal 3,3 miljard euro investeren in Zuid-Koreaanse technologie om in eigen land precisieraketten te produceren en zo zijn defensiecapaciteit te verbeteren.

De overeenkomst voorziet in de productie van 239mm CGR-080-raketten met een bereik van 80 kilometer in een nieuwe faciliteit in Polen vanaf 2030.

De investering maakt deel uit van een breder programma om het Poolse HOMAR-K meervoudige raketlanceersysteem te moderniseren.

Polen heeft een belangrijke overeenkomst ter waarde van 3,3 miljard euro gesloten om zijn binnenlandse productiecapaciteit voor precisieraketten te verhogen. Dit initiatief zal het HOMAR-K-programma voor meervoudige raketlanceersystemen ondersteunen en is een andere grote defensie-investering met Zuid-Koreaanse partners.

Het contract voorziet in de levering van 239mm CGR-080-raketten, die doelen tot 80 kilometer ver kunnen raken. De productie staat gepland om in 2030 te beginnen in een nieuwe faciliteit in Polen. Die faciliteit zal worden beheerd door een consortium onder leiding van Hanwha WB Advanced System, een Pools-Koreaanse joint venture, en het Koreaanse bedrijf Hanwha Aerospace.

Uitgebreid programma
Deze laatste overeenkomst vertegenwoordigt de derde fase van een breder programma in verband met HOMAR-K. Het eerste contract, gesloten in november 2022, omvatte de aanschaf van 218 K239 Chunmoo lanceermodules, hun integratie op Poolse Jelcz vrachtwagenchassis en de levering van volledige logistiek, training, raketten en technische ondersteuning.

Een tweede contract, getekend in april 2024, breidde het programma uit met 72 extra lanceermodules, samen met de bijbehorende logistieke ondersteuning, integratiediensten, levering van raketten en doorlopende technische ondersteuning. De Poolse inzet voor defensie-uitgaven is opmerkelijk, met een doelstelling van 4,8 procent van het bbp in 2026. Dit maakt Polen de NAVO-leider op het gebied van defensie-uitgaven in verhouding tot de omvang van zijn economie.

https://businessam.be/polen-investeert-33-miljard-euro-in-samenwerking-met-zuid-korea-voor-raketproductie/

[Huzaar1]

Komt gegarandeerd snel een rev II ontwikkeling op, was met de Pzh ook zo. Even afwachten voor NLD, maar uiteindelijk lijkt dit systeem me zeer geschikt voor onze artillerie.

[Harald]

Er worden 80 RCH 155's besteld voor de Duitse strijdkrachten.
https://share.google/YyTt9faM0WrS3Oa9Q

Met het besluit van de Begrotingscommissie van vandaag kunnen de eerste 80 RCH 155-helikopters nu worden besteld bij KNDS Duitsland. De financiering komt uit het speciale fonds van de Bundeswehr. Het leger had echter in zijn doelplan voor 2023 al een behoefte van 168 RCH 155-helikopters aangegeven; deze behoefte is inmiddels gestegen tot meer dan 200, zoals Defence Network heeft vernomen van goed geïnformeerde militaire bronnen. Daarom worden volgend jaar verdere bestellingen verwacht op basis van het nu goedgekeurde raamcontract.

De eerste prototypes zullen naar verwachting in 2027 aan de Duitse strijdkrachten worden geleverd, waarna de productiesystemen tussen 2028 en 2032 zullen volgen.

RCH 155 mogelijkheden
De RCH 155 is een verder ontwikkelde versie van het  Panzerhaubitze 2000  (PzH 2000), geïntegreerd als missiemodule op het mobiele Boxer-platform. Dit geeft de RCH 155 aanzienlijk meer mogelijkheden dan de PzH 2000. Waar de PzH 2000 een bereik heeft van ongeveer 40 km, kan de RCH 155 doelen op meer dan 50 km afstand raken, en zelfs tot 70 km met de Vulcano-precisiemunitie. Bovendien beschikt het over speciale mogelijkheden die voortvloeien uit de prestaties van de Boxer. Bijzonder opmerkelijk is het vermogen om rijdend te vuren en het doel nauwkeurig te raken.

"De combinatie van het beproefde NATO JBMoU 155 mm/L52 kanon en de onbemande AGM op een Boxer-chassis resulteert in een unieke artilleriecapaciteit met een bereik tot 54 km in alle richtingen (360° azimut) en alle laad- en elevatiebereiken, zonder dat steunpoten nodig zijn", aldus fabrikant KNDS over de mogelijkheden van de RCH 155. "Ontwikkeld vanuit de gecombineerde wapenstrijd, biedt de volledige autonomie van het systeem op het gebied van commando, navigatie en vuurleiding, evenals de inherente stabiliteit, geheel nieuwe operationele mogelijkheden (bijv. vuren op bewegende doelen, bescherming van opslagplaatsen, enz.). Dankzij de netwerkgebaseerde systeemarchitectuur van de RCH 155 kunnen in de toekomst ook autonome besturing en bediening (op afstand) worden geïmplementeerd. Het vuurleidingssysteem en de munitiematrix zijn geschikt voor huidige en toekomstige NATO-munitietypen (JBMoU-compatibel). Deze bijzondere eigenschappen maken de RCH 155 tot een baanbrekend wapen van de toekomst."

De Duitse strijdkrachten zullen hiermee beschikken over een effectief, op afstand inzetbaar en vooral zeer mobiel artilleriesysteem, dat tevens de lessen uit de oorlog in Oekraïne integreert. Tegelijkertijd zullen de middelzware eenheden van het Duitse leger beschikken over een artilleriecapaciteit gebaseerd op het Boxer-chassis, wat een perfecte strategische en logistieke integratie mogelijk maakt.

Hoewel de RCH 155 een nieuw wapensysteem is, zijn de afzonderlijke componenten al getest en is het systeem als geheel voldoende gekwalificeerd om de eerste voertuigen in januari 2025 aan Oekraïne te leveren , waar ze sindsdien in gebruik zijn.

[Harald]

Sweden Seeks New Artillery as South Korea's K9 Leads Tracked Howitzer Options.

Sweden is examining South Korea's K9 Thunder tracked 155 mm self-propelled howitzer to complement its wheeled Archer artillery fleet, with planning documents indicating a requirement of nearly 40 vehicles. The move reflects lessons from the NATO era in Ukraine and growing concern that wheeled artillery alone cannot survive or maneuver effectively in deep snow, frozen bogs, and drone-contested northern terrain.

Sweden is quietly weighing a major shift in its artillery posture as it evaluates South Korea's K9 Thunder tracked howitzer to operate alongside the Army's Archer systems, according to Swedish media. Planning documents point to roughly two battalion sets, or close to 40 vehicles, driven by a blunt operational assessment that wheeled guns struggle to survive once deep snow and frozen wetlands turn mobility into the defining factor for artillery units operating toward northern Finland.

Sweden's renewed artillery urgency sits inside its post-NATO reality and the hard lessons of Ukraine: counterbattery duels are decided by who can fire first, displace fast, and keep ammunition flowing under drone observation. In reporting cited by Swedish media, Army leadership has warned that the terrain in the north compresses maneuver into predictable corridors, with a sparse road network shaping how and where forces can move. In that context, a wheeled howitzer that must queue on a road is not just delayed; it is targetable. Tracked guns promise dispersion across snow-covered forests, frozen wetlands, and cutlines, enabling batteries to occupy unexpected firing points and complicating enemy sensor-to-shooter chains.

The entire Archer 6x6 inventory of 24 systems has been upgraded to the Version C standard, providing operational capability for at least two artillery battalions, and the Army has also begun firing the new Archer 8x8 configuration at Boden. Archer remains a formidable shooter, offering firing ranges in excess of 50 km with advanced ammunition, a rate of fire up to nine rounds per minute, and multiple rounds simultaneous impact effects that allow several shells to arrive on the target at the same time. However, Sweden has also transferred Archer systems out of storage for allied support, including units authorized for Ukraine and systems sold to the United Kingdom, moves that sharpen the need to broaden and deepen the home force artillery mix. Ammunition supply is being reinforced in parallel through contracts for 155 mm shells, propellant charges, and extended-range high-explosive projectiles.

The K9's appeal is that it is built around the exact problem Sweden is describing. The system weighs roughly 47 tonnes and is powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, giving it road speeds of around 67 km per hour and an operating range approaching 480 km. Its 155 mm main armament can reach beyond 40 km depending on ammunition type. The howitzer can fire three rounds in 15 seconds and eight rounds in a minute, with the ability to deliver MRSI salvos, while transitioning from movement to firing in under a minute. In operational terms, this enables classic shoot and scoot tactics with minimal exposure time, as well as rapid suppression missions and counterbattery engagements tightly integrated with drones, sensors, and digital fire control networks. Any Swedish purchase would also include tracked ammunition resupply vehicles, underlining that a tracked howitzer program is a full battery system decision rather than a standalone gun acquisition.

Sweden's interest becomes clearer when set against Western competitors. Germany's PzH-2000 remains a performance benchmark with its 155 mm L52 gun, very high burst and sustained rates of fire, and a large onboard ammunition load, but it comes with greater weight and a demanding sustainment footprint. KNDS's RCH 155 emphasizes automation and modern L52 ballistics, yet Sweden's near-term focus is proven winter mobility rather than leap-ahead concepts. Wheeled systems such as CAESAR and Archer trade armor and off-road access for road speed and strategic deployability, while the modernized U.S. M109A7 offers improved protection and integration but generally lower rates of fire than the newest L52 class howitzers. The K9, by contrast, is already fielded by Finland and Norway, making it the de facto Nordic tracked artillery standard and offering clear advantages in training, logistics, and regional interoperability. That ecosystem, combined with delivery timelines and cold weather credibility, explains why Swedish Army leadership has publicly indicated that if Sweden buys tracked artillery, the K9 sits at the top of the list.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/sweden-seeks-new-artillery-as-south-koreas-k9-leads-tracked-howitzer-options

[Harald]

Een nieuwe PULS klant !

BREAKING NEWS: Greece approves purchase of 36 Israeli-made PULS multiple rocket launcher systems.

According to a December 5, 2025, Reuters report, Greek lawmakers have approved the purchase of 36 PULS MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) worth about 650 million euros. Local media also noted that Greece has confirmed its intent to buy Israel's LORA ballistic missile system, a move expected to be finalized in early 2026.

Greece is moving to expand its long-range strike capabilities, approving a 36-unit order of the Israeli-built PULS Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) in a deal valued at roughly 650 million euros. The decision was disclosed in a December 5, 2025, report from the international news agency Reuters, which also detailed Athens's confirmation that it intends to acquire the LORA tactical ballistic missile system. While the rocket launcher contract has cleared parliament, Greek media reported that the LORA surface-to-surface missile package is still pending final government sign-off, with officials expecting action in early 2026.

This arms package underscores a major transformation in the Hellenic Armed Forces' approach to deterrence and long-range precision fires, especially amid persistent regional tensions with Türkiye and evolving security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean. By incorporating Israeli-designed systems that offer extended range and modular launch capabilities, Greece is signaling its intent to shift from a reactive defense posture to one that enables preemptive and stand-off strike options.

At the heart of the agreement lies the PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System), an advanced modular multiple launch rocket system developed by Israel's Elbit Systems. Unlike traditional MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) platforms limited to specific calibers, the PULS is designed to fire a wide range of guided and unguided rockets and missiles, from 122mm Grad-type rounds to long-range rockets such as the EXTRA (150 km range), Predator Hawk (300 km range), and potentially the Delilah cruise missile. The system's core advantage is its dual-pod configuration, which allows mixed payloads to be rapidly reloaded and launched from highly mobile 6x6 or 8x8 truck platforms.

The PULS system offers both operational versatility and cost-efficiency. It is fully interoperable with NATO C4I networks and supports digital fire control, GPS-aided guidance, and autonomous targeting. For Greece, which seeks to build a credible long-range strike capability without the logistical footprint of legacy artillery systems, PULS delivers rapid-reaction firepower well-suited for mountainous terrain and dispersed island operations. Its integration into Greek artillery formations is expected to begin in 2026, with training and logistical support already outlined under the contract signed with Elbit Systems. Sources close to the Hellenic General Staff emphasize that the system's real value lies in its deterrent capacity against strategic assets, infrastructure, or staging grounds well beyond Greece's borders.

Greece's interest in pairing the PULS with the Israeli LORA missile system further elevates the strategic implications. The LORA, with a reported range of up to 400 kilometers and CEP (circular error probable) of under 10 meters, is capable of precision strikes on high-value targets, including naval bases, radar stations, and air defense sites. Though originally intended for coastal defense and critical strike missions, Greek planners now view LORA as a key enabler for rapid interdiction operations in a multi-domain conflict environment. According to defense procurement officials in Athens, the decision to acquire LORA reflects "an emerging doctrine of credible, deep-strike deterrence across the Eastern Mediterranean arc."

With these acquisitions, Greece joins a growing list of countries turning to Israeli missile and rocket artillery systems to fill capability gaps left by aging Soviet-era platforms or limited NATO-standard inventories. More importantly, this defense deal marks the continuation of Athens' post-2020 rearmament trajectory, which has included Rafale fighters, Belharra frigates, and ambitions to procure F-35s. As regional military balances shift, the Greek-Israeli defense axis is becoming increasingly central to the Mediterranean security architecture, raising both opportunities and risks in a volatile geopolitical environment.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/breaking-news-greece-approves-purchase-of-36-israeli-made-plus-multiple-rocket-launcher-systems

[Huzaar1]

Heeeeeeeel mooi voor Italie.

[Parera]

Vertaald van het Italiaans naar Nederlands

Leonardo presenteert de 155/52 mm HITFIRE-toren
26 november 2025 | Eugenio Po
Vandaag, 26 november, presenteerde Leonardo op de schietbaan van Nettuno (Rome) zijn 155 mm HITFIRE- torentje , een oplossing die is ontworpen voor toepassingen op wielen en rupsbanden (en die volgens ons aan het leger zou kunnen worden voorgesteld voor de behoefte aan een 155 mm 8x8 gemotoriseerd kanon ).



De eerste demonstrator van het systeem (waarvan het ontwerp te zien is op de laatste afbeelding van dit artikel), het resultaat van een ontwikkeling die 18 maanden geleden begon , vuurde enkele schoten af ��op de testbaan van Nettuno: gisteren in aanwezigheid van legerfunctionarissen en vandaag in aanwezigheid van RID en andere journalisten. Leonardo's doel is om medio 2026 een eerste prototype van het systeem te bouwen en de industriële kwalificaties eind 2026/begin 2027 te voltooien.





De HITFIRE- toren , volledig onbemand , is uitgerust met een 155/52 mm kanon (enkele jaren geleden ontwikkeld en gebouwd door Leonardo) en een automatisch laadsysteem (volledig nieuw). Hij is ontworpen voor installatie op de nieuwe (iets verlengde) variant van de VBM NG, Next Generation (d.w.z. in wezen de romp van de VBM 30 NG, een infanteriegevechtsvoertuig dat momenteel door het Italiaanse leger wordt overgenomen) – daarom geloven wij dat het doel is om deel te nemen aan het programma van het Italiaanse leger voor 155 mm gemotoriseerde kanonnen op wielen. Hij is echter ook compatibel met andere op voertuigen gemonteerde, rups- en wielinstallaties (inclusief vrachtwagens).

Wat de technische kenmerken betreft , is het een bijzonder lichte oplossing : over het geheel genomen weegt de HITFIRE-koepel (volledig uitgerust, inclusief rondes en ladingen) minder dan 13 ton (een factor die hem compatibel zou maken met de VBM NG, aangezien het totale gewicht 35 ton zou bereiken ). De HITFIRE heeft 30 rondes en 180 modulaire ladingen (de demonstrator die we zagen, had echter 10 rondes en 60 modulaire ladingen), waarmee het mogelijk is om alle 30 rondes af te vuren bij de 6e (maximale) lading. Het laadsysteem , dat volledig compatibel is met de VULCANO -munitie (in tegenstelling tot veel andere gemotoriseerde artillerie), biedt een maximale vuursnelheid van 10 rondes per minuut. De HITFIRE-koepel, in combinatie met de VBM NG-romp, is ontworpen met het doel om te kunnen vuren terwijl hij beweegt (met de koepel in elke positie gedraaid, dus over 360 graden ). Het munitiemagazijn bevindt zich aan de linkerkant, terwijl het modulaire ladingenmagazijn (ook compatibel met "supercharges") symmetrisch aan de rechterkant is geplaatst: beide zijn ontworpen om automatisch te worden herladen door een speciaal herlaadlogistiek voertuig (het laatste, dat nog moet worden gedefinieerd, maar waarvoor Leonardo de geautomatiseerde herlaad"armen" heeft ontwikkeld).

De toren is tevens uitgerust met elektronica die is gebouwd met NGVA- architectuur (elektronica die is ontwikkeld in samenwerking met het A2CS/AICS-programma). Voor zelfverdediging (inclusief anti-drone-aanvallen) kan de toren worden uitgerust met een op afstand bestuurbaar HITROLE- torentje dat is bewapend met een 12,7 mm- machinegeweer (of een 30 mm-machinegeweer met een BLAZE 30-machinegeweer, ook van Leonardo).



https://www.rid.it/shownews/7711/leonardo-presentata-la-torre-da-155-52-mm-hitfire

[Harald]

Germany unveils new PzH 2000 A4 155mm howitzer with advanced fire control and digital architecture.

On November 19, 2025, Germany introduced the new PzH 2000 A4 155mm 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer featuring upgraded fire control and a modern digital architecture. The launch marks the revival of a key European artillery production line and supports upcoming deliveries to Germany and Ukraine.

Germany officially unveiled the PzH 2000 A4, a new version of the original PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer, on November 19 during a ceremony at the KNDS Deutschland facility in Munich, a development German officials described as a major step in restoring Europe's high-end artillery production capacity. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the system's new digital backbone and improved fire-control tools, noting that series production is already underway, with deliveries set to begin in late 2025 and continue into early 2027.

The PzH 2000 is a German-made 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer developed in the 1990s by Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, which later merged with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to form KNDS Deutschland. Designed for long-range precision fire, rapid engagement, and sustained battlefield mobility, the PzH 2000 entered service in 1998 and quickly became one of NATO's premier artillery platforms. With a fully automatic loading system, high rate of fire, and robust protection, the system has been deployed in a variety of combat environments, proving its reliability and versatility under operational conditions.

Since its introduction, the system has seen several key iterations. The A0 variant was the original prototype, never fielded but crucial to development. The A1 version, delivered to the Bundeswehr, added a modern navigation system and improved accuracy through a refined pneumatic barrel laying mechanism. The A2 variant introduced a more advanced charge-cooling system, allowing deployment in more demanding international environments, including operations with the Netherlands. Although an A3 version was planned to add enhanced mine protection, budgetary constraints and shifting priorities halted its development. As a result, the A1 and A2 versions remain the most widely used in active service.

Now, the newly launched PzH 2000 A4 standard signals a clear evolution in the system's role and capabilities. Rather than focusing on increased armor protection, the A4 emphasizes digitalization, network integration, and battlefield survivability through advanced electronic systems. These upgrades respond directly to lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where modern artillery must operate in contested electromagnetic environments, under constant threat from drones and precision-guided munitions.

Among the most significant changes is the replacement of the legacy MICMOS fire control computer with the new Centurion system. This upgrade enhances computing power, speeds up fire mission processing, and allows integration with NATO-standard fire control architectures. The system also supports advanced 155mm precision-guided munitions such as the Vulcano and Excalibur, providing greater accuracy and longer engagement ranges.

The PzH 2000 A4 also introduces an updated power and cooling architecture. Engineers have implemented a split configuration between the generator and thermal management systems, improving energy efficiency and allowing for future expansion of onboard electronics. This redesign reflects a growing emphasis on modularity and power management in modern combat vehicles.

While the PzH 2000 A4 marks the most advanced variant to enter production, development work is already underway on the future A5 standard. The A5 aims to create a fully digital platform with a semi-open electronic architecture, enabling rapid integration of new subsystems and upgrades. Among the anticipated features are an automated ammunition loading system, improved gun laying mechanics, and the option to reduce the crew from five to three, thanks to increased automation.

Additional optional features under consideration for future variants include an indirect vision system for the driver, advanced optronics for enhanced situational awareness, portable fuse programming tools, and remotely operated weapon stations for self-defense.

Germany's renewed investment in the PzH 2000 program comes at a decisive moment for NATO and allied artillery strategy. As artillery regains prominence in large-scale conventional warfare, the A4 rollout places KNDS Deutschland at the center of Europe's modernization push. The company is already positioned to meet growing international interest, with several NATO members evaluating upgrades or new acquisitions based on the A4 and upcoming A5 standards.

As production scales up and the Pzh 2000 A5 development continues, Army Recognition will provide exclusive coverage, technical insights, and in-depth reporting from inside Germany's artillery transformation.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/germany-unveils-new-pzh-2000-a4-howitzer-as-knds-restarts-advanced-artillery-production

[Huzaar1]

Je krijgt het bij deze uit 1e hand, die conclusie klopt niet.

Kan er helaas niet meer over kwijt.

[Benji87]

Nee hoor, gebruiken ze met genot

Ze zijn zoals iedereen tegen problemen aangelopen die vooral zijn ontstaan door hunzelf, en hebben er evenveel opgelost.

Een paar maanden terug was hier een uitgelekt duits rapport terug te vinden waarin o.a. de PZH2000 werd benoemd. Het betrof een presentatie van de Duitse ambassadeur in Oekraïne richting duitse onderofficieren. De PZH2000 werd geroemd om zijn precisie, effectiviteit en bereik maar was tevens ook erg duur en lastig om te repareren. Het systeem zelf was erg gevoelig en de loop ondervond snelle slijtage omdat de Oekraïners het buiten de "design range" werd ingezet (lees teveel schoten). Tevens speelde het gebrek aan reserve onderdelen een rol in de beperkte operationele inzet van de PZH2000.

[Huzaar1]

Begreep uit verschillende berichten dat de Oekraïners ook tegen problemen aanlopen met de PZH2000.

Nee hoor, gebruiken ze met genot

Ze zijn zoals iedereen tegen problemen aangelopen die vooral zijn ontstaan door hunzelf, en hebben er evenveel opgelost.

[Lynxian]

Begreep uit verschillende berichten dat de Oekraïners ook tegen problemen aanlopen met de PZH2000.

Dat an sich is geen verrassing; ze gebruiken het systeem vast tot het naadje, slijtage zal ook wel veel hoger zijn dan initieel voorzien.