Service Eyes Alternative Options Amid Drone Threat
The US Army is seeking to halt production of the M109A7 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) howitzer, citing its inability to keep up with the pace of modern warfare, particularly in the face of drone threats. Service Secretary Dan Driscoll told lawmakers that the Army is looking at alternative options, including a mobile tactical cannon that can be deployed in 40 seconds, compared to the Paladin’s 15 minutes. The Army plans to award a contract for a new self-propelled howitzer program by July, according to a spokesperson for the Program Acquisition Executive for Fires. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.