The Federal Armaments Office Armasuisse has completed the evaluation for a new artillery system for the Swiss Armed Forces (-> current news about the Swiss Armed Forces) and has selected a type. It is planned that the Army Dispatch 2025 will include the procurement of the AGM Artillery Gun Module system on Piranha IV from KNDS Germany to the parliament, according to a recent press release.
The artillery system currently in use with the M109 self-propelled howitzer will reach the end of its service life in the next few years. In order to ensure the maintenance and further development of indirect fire capability at medium ranges with increased range, precision and mobility, the Armed Forces have initiated the “Artillery Effective Platform and Means” (WPWM) project. With the signing of the project contract in 2019, project management was handed over to the Federal Armaments Office. Armasuisse has been tasked with evaluating a corresponding system based on a wheeled vehicle. https://militaeraktuell.at/7-jaegerbrigade-wird-jaegerbrigade-jagdkampf/ In addition to the weapon platform, the scope of the project also includes the integration of the Swiss Armed Forces’ communication, command and fire control systems, training and simulation systems, logistics resources and weapons as well as an initial stockpile of ammunition. Based on the military requirements, Armasuisse invited several manufacturers to submit their documents. The systems of two manufacturers were selected for the subsequent evaluation in 2022: Archer Mobile Howitzer from BAE Systems Bofors AB and RCH 155 AGM Artillery Gun Module with two possible carrier platforms (Boxer and Piranha) from KNDS.
The test concept and the utility analysis were then developed. The evaluation phase and practical trials were planned in collaboration with industry and the participating organizational units of the Armed Forces (Armed Forces Logistics Base, Training Command and Operations Command) and Armasuisse. From January 2023 to June 2024, various practical clarifications and trials took place, including technical trials of the main weapon abroad and mobility in the Swiss road network and terrain, as well as various visits and live firings with foreign armies or procurement authorities.
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