BAE gets $63M contract for self-propelled howitzers

BAE Systems was awarded a $63 million contract to produce self-propelled Paladin howitzers and ammunition carrier vehicles, the Defense Department announced Thursday.

Continuing an earlier contract, the company will build and deliver M109A7 self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carrier vehicles by an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2027, with work being completed in York, PA.

Earlier this year, BAE received contracts to manufacture the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle.

The M109A7 serves as the Army’s self-propelled 155mm howitzer, designed to provide fire support as well as keep pace with the Bradley fighting vehicle and the Abrams main battle tank.

Each howitzer is paired with the M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked vehicle, which stores and transports the ammunition.

During the Army’s first delivery of the M109A7, BAE sourced parts from the older M109A6 and M992A2 vehicles.

The M109A7 is set to be replaced by the Extended Range Cannon Artillery,which will use the same wheelbase but feature a longer-range cannon.