Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have showcased a live fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer in Israel.
The demonstration of the new system took place in early March 2023 at the Shivta firing range in southern Israel.
In addition to self-propelled howitzers, Rheinmetall contributed its 155mm L52 gun, high mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a secure cabin, and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite to the solution.
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems entered into a collaborative agreement to jointly develop, manufacture, and promote an automated European 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system in the last year. Elbit’s existing procurement programs facilitate the integration of Rheinmetall’s gun into their unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret.
The “Rheinmetall Elbit” team is actively participating in Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF)” program, aimed at modernizing and expanding the artillery capabilities of the Bundeswehr. Simultaneously, the team maintains a focus on the UK’s “Mobile Fires Platform” program, ensuring a steadfast focus on advancing their objectives.
The team says its efforts have attracted attention of other potential customers, including Hungary. Notably, the recent event showcasing their achievements was attended by officials from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.
Rheinmetall is set up to enhance the range of its tube artillery. The wheeled self-propelled howitzer, in addition to the L52 and its A1 version, is designed for integration with the upcoming L60 gun.
The L60 is expected to feature a larger chamber and a longer barrel, enabling ranges of up to 83 km with JBMoU-compliant ammunition. This system meets the specifications of the Bundeswehr for a future wheel-based, medium-range indirect fire system.
“We are proud to present the world with this advanced 155mm artillery system”, declared John Abunassar, chief of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division, and Yehuda (Udi) Vered, general manager of Elbit Systems, in a joint statement.
“The successful demonstration of the automated howitzer highlights the synergies and innovative technologies of the Rheinmetall-Elbit team – a team that is uniquely positioned to supply the armed forces of Germany and other nations with an outstanding new tube artillery capability. We are convinced that this joint German-Israeli project will contribute to strengthening ties between our two nations and their armed forces.”
