BAE Systems Collaborates with US Army to Develop M109-52 Self-Propelled Howitzer Prototype

M109-52

 BAE Systems is working with the U.S. Army to develop a prototype self-propelled howitzer (SPH) M109-52. This prototype uses the chassis and turret from the M109A7 and combines them with the Rheinmetall L52 155 mm cannon. This gun is the same as the one installed on the very successful PzH2000, which was largely used in Ukraine. 

The partnership is a Joint Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between BAE and the U.S. Army Combat Capability Development Command (DEVCOM-AC) Weapons Center, which allows the two organizations to work together on system development.

The M109-52 was originally a project independently funded by BAE, which anticipated the army's interest. Previously, DEVCOM-AC managed the Extended Range Cannon Artillery program, which developed the XM1299 self-propelled artillery system with a record-breaking 58 caliber cannon. This system demonstrated a remarkable firing range, but problems with barrel wear and suspension deformation led to the cancellation in 2024, as a result of which the army began to look for a new self-propelled artillery installation.