Elbit Systems Unveils Roem 155mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer for European Allies
Successful Live Fire Demonstration of Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems’ Automated 155mm Howitzer
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have recently demonstrated the capabilities of their new automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer in a live fire event. This demonstration took place in early March 2023 at the Shivta firing range in southern Israel, attended by senior military officials from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.
This live fire demonstration is a significant milestone following the cooperation agreement signed last year between Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems. The agreement aims to develop, manufacture, and market a European 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system. The collaboration is led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH under the “Rheinmetall Elbit” team, which plans to compete for Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF)” program. This program intends to modernize and enhance the artillery capabilities of the Bundeswehr. Additionally, the UK’s “Mobile Fires Platform” program remains a key focus, with other potential customers like Hungary showing interest.
The partnership leverages Elbit’s experience with fully automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurement programs already in place with Israel and other clients. Consequently, a technically mature system is available, allowing the integration of Rheinmetall’s gun into Elbit’s unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret. This integration is in the advanced stages of the verification process, reducing development risks and accelerating the system’s operational readiness.
A significant bilateral technology transfer is in progress, enhancing domestic expertise and the availability of components. Rheinmetall is customizing the system to meet European operational requirements and align with German regulatory standards. The Düsseldorf-based company contributes its proven 155mm L52 gun, a high mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a well-protected cabin, and advanced electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite.
To future-proof the solution, Rheinmetall is enhancing the range of its tube artillery. Besides the combat-proven L52 and its advanced A1 version, the wheeled self-propelled howitzer is designed to accommodate the L60 gun in the future. Currently in development, the L60 features a significantly larger chamber and a longer 60-calibre barrel, capable of achieving ranges up to 83 km with JBMoU-compliant ammunition. This makes the Rheinmetall-Elbit howitzer compliant with the Bundeswehr’s specifications for a future wheel-based, medium-range indirect fire system.
In a joint statement, John Abunassar, chief of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division, and Yehuda (Udi) Vered, general manager of Elbit Systems, expressed their pride in presenting this advanced 155mm artillery system to the world. “The successful demonstration of the automated howitzer highlights the synergies and innovative technologies of the Rheinmetall-Elbit team – a team uniquely positioned to supply the armed forces of Germany and other nations with an outstanding new tube artillery capability. We are convinced that this joint German-Israeli project will contribute to strengthening ties between our two nations and their armed forces,” they declared.
