The artillery system with the M109 self-propelled howitzer currently in use will reach the end of its useful life in the next few years. To ensure the maintenance and continued development of the ability of indirect fire at medium range with increased range, precision and mobility, the Armed Forces initialised the project “Artillery weapons platform and ammunition” (WPWM). When the project order was signed in 2019, project management was transferred to the Federal Office for Defence Procurement. armasuisse was tasked with evaluating an appropriate system based on a wheeled vehicle. The project scope includes:
•    a wheeled weapons platform for indirect fire support at medium range
•    the integration of communications, command and control and fire-control systems of the Swiss Armed Forces
•    training and simulation systems
•    logistical resources for the weapons platform and the ammunition as well as
•    initial provisioning of ammunition

With the pre-evaluation to the shortlist

Based on the military requirements, armasuisse invited various manufacturers to submit their documents. The project team, with experts from armasuisse and the Armed Forces, analysed and assessed the documents received. Systems from two manufacturers were designated for the subsequent evaluation in 2022:
• BAE Systems Bofors AB, Sweden, Archer Mobile Howitzer
• KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, RCH 155 AGM Artillery Gun Module with two possible carrier platforms (Boxer/Piranha)

Evaluation of the shortlist systems

The trial concept as well as the utility and costs benefit analysis were then compiled. Planning of the evaluation phase and the practical trials were carried out in cooperation with industry and the organisational units of the Armed Forces involved (Armed Forces Logistics Organisation, Training and Education Command and Joint Operations Command) as well as armasuisse. Between January 2023 and June 2024, various practical investigations and trials took place, including:
•    logistical investigations
•    technical testing of the main weapon abroad and mobility in the Swiss road network and terrain
•    troop trials with military professionals and members of the militia of the Swiss Armed Forces as well as
•    various visits and live firings with foreign armies and procurement authorities.

Type selection: System AGM Artillery Gun Module on Piranha IV wins over with most favourable offer

After the detailed evaluation from the trials, investigations and offers, the decision was made in favour of system AGM Artillery Gun Module on Piranha IV from the company KNDS Deutschland. Taking into account the offers received as well as the assessment of numerous aspects in the areas of tactics, technology, logistics, commerce, quality and sustainability, the system selected corresponds to the most favourable offer.

Following the type selection, the project team’s work will include integrating both the communications and the command and control systems. At the same time, the contribution for the Armed Forces Dispatch 2025 will be prepared.

Current M109 self-propelled howitzer in operation for more than 50 years

The M109 self-propelled howitzers (official designation: 15.5 cm M109 self-propelled howitzer KAWEST WE) currently in use were procured from 1968 in several lots and since then have constituted the backbone of the motorised artillery of the Swiss Armed Forces. Over the course of its service life, the system was adapted for operations several times. The M109 self-propelled howitzer thus underwent an increase in fighting power upgrade (KAWEST) in 1995 and a value retention programme (WE) in 2012. The final measures are currently taking place with an extension of use (NUV) 2021 with the intention of operating the system until its replacement by the AGM Artillery Gun Module on Piranha IV.

New artillery system – type selected