The Army has approved the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, also known as Paladin Integrated Management, to enter full-rate production, Inside Defense has learned. The Army last ordered low-rate initial production M109A7s on Dec. 18, awarding a $249 million modification to BAE for 60 howitzers. The company said at the time the order brought the total number of vehicle sets (howitzers and ammunition carriers) to 156, and the total contract value to $1.2 billion. BAE spokeswoman Alicia Gray said in a statement,...