The United States Army (U.S. Army) awarded BAE Systems a US$473 million contract for the production of 40 new M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, along with M992A3 ammunition resupply vehicles. According to official information published by the Department of Defense, the contract covers not only the manufacture of the artillery systems but also the provision of additional support services, including technical support packages, post-production reconditioning work, and compliance with welding standards.

Regarding the award, Dan Furber, Director of Artillery and Combat Support Programs within Combat Mission Systems at BAE Systems, stated: “The M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer delivers the firepower and operational advantage soldiers need on the modern battlefield.” He added: “This platform provides warfighters with a decisive advantage in any conflict, and we look forward to continuing to deliver this proven capability to the U.S. Army.”

Creditos: Mike Freeman
Modernized Paladin M109A7 howitzers, assigned to the “BattleKings Battalion,” 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepare to fire for the first time during artillery Table VI section level qualifications as part of the culminating exercise in operator new equipment training at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Nov. 07, 2021. The “Spartan Brigade,” 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, is the tip of the spear in the Division’s glide path to become the most modernized division in the U.S. Army by summer 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trenton Lowery)

The contract was awarded by the Army Contracting Command (ACC) in Detroit in September and represents the first award under a five-year framework agreement. Production of the M109A7 systems will take place at facilities located in York (Pennsylvania), Elgin (Oklahoma), and Anniston (Alabama).

Recent background of the M109A7 program

This new contract builds on a previous award in 2024, when the U.S. Army granted BAE Systems a US$493 million agreement for the production of M109A7 artillery combat vehicles and M992A3 ammunition resupply vehicles. In that case, planning established that production and deliveries would take place between August 2025 and July 2026.

Within the framework of that award, Dan Furber — then Director of Ground Vehicle Production for BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business — stated: “…We are focused on producing and fielding modern artillery capabilities that provide the Army with an advantage in range, precision, and lethality…”. He added: “…This contract ensures that Armored Brigade Combat Teams will sustain operations of one of the most survivable indirect fire support systems for years to come…”.

Creditos: Mike Freeman

M109A7 Paladin characteristics

The M109A7 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed to improve sustainability and operational performance compared to the previous M109A6 Paladin fleet. The platform incorporates a modified turret with a high-voltage electrical system, as well as a chassis, suspension, and powertrain based on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

The system operates with a crew of four soldiers and is capable of engaging targets at ranges between 20 and 40 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition employed. According to earlier plans, the U.S. Army projected the acquisition of more than 700 M109A7 units as part of the modernization of its self-propelled artillery.

Images for illustrative purposes.

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