As the US Army is preparing for a howitzer “shoot off” evaluation event at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona in 2021, the event participants are slowly emerging.
The first known participant in the event was BAE Systems with its 155 mm Archer howitzer.
On December 17, Israel’s Elbit Systems announced that it would join the shoot off with its Autonomous Truck Mounted Ordnance System (ATMOS) Iron Sabre while Global Military Products (GMP) announced it would bring the Yugoimport-developed NORA B-52 155mm wheeled howitzer to the event.
GMP says it has partnered with the Serbian defense company for a chance to provide a new mobile howitzer system to the US Army.
NORA B-52 features a fully automatic auto loader and a move-shoot-move with under armor capability to protect the crew on the battlefield. The NORA was designed to combat the battlefield doctrine of maneuver by fire employed by nations with large armored and artillery forces. The upgraded version, provides enhanced mobility, a larger chamber, automation, and speed.
“This is an excellent opportunity to bring a fantastic piece of equipment at an unmatched value to the US Army soldier. Global Ordnance is proud to be the company to offer the NORA and is excited to show the US Army what it can do in the shoot-off,” Marc Morales, president of Global Ordnance, LLC, said.
France’s Nexter has also hinted at the possibility of taking part in the US Army event, while other participants could include South Korea’s Hanwha with the K9 howitzer and Japan’s Mitsubishi.
The US Army is in search of a production-ready system to improve the range, rate-of-fire and mobility of artillery systems for Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. The test will take place over a span of three months in 2021.
