BAE Wins $142 Million US Army's Self Propelled Howitzer Ammunition Carriers Contract

BAE Systems has won a follow on contract valued at $142 million to produce additional M109A7 self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers for the U.S. Army. 

The low-rate initial production (LRIP) on the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer and M992A3 ammunition carrier provides a significant upgrade over the M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer while allowing for future growth.

 “The M109A7 is a significant leap forward in technology for the Field Artillery, addressing the current system shortfalls while providing significant margin for growth to help position the service for the long term,” said Adam Zarfoss, director for Artillery and Recovery Systems at BAE Systems.

BAE Systems was awarded a one-year base contract for the M109A7, formerly the Paladin Integrated Management program, in October 2013. The current contract is the first of three option year awards to produce an additional 18 vehicle sets 18 M109A7 howitzers and 18 carrier ammunition, tracked vehicles for approximately $142 million. Once all options are exercised, the Army intends to purchase a total of 66.5 vehicle sets plus spares, kits, and technical documentation. One set includes a M109A7 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer along with its battlefield companion, the M992A3 Carrier Ammunition, Tracked (CAT). 

The M109A7 program is a significant upgrade over the vehicle’s predecessor, the M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer, restoring space, weight, and power-cooling, while providing growth potential for emerging technologies. The design includes a Bradley-common chassis, engine, transmission, suspension, steering system, and improved survivability, while leveraging technologies developed during the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon program such as a 600 volt on-board power system. 

The first vehicles scheduled to be delivered to the Army in early 2015.