What Happened
Army Invests In Current Systems While Exploring Lighter Alternatives
The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a $535 million contract to produce additional M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers, despite plans to end production in FY 2027. The army is seeking lighter-weight alternatives, citing the need for systems that can be deployed quickly to counter drone threats. According to Janes, the contract work is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2029 and continue throughout that year, with potential for additional work in FY 2027 and FY 2028.