Elbit Systems has introduced the Roem wheeled self-propelled howitzer, meaning “thunderous,” in a recent demonstration to military representatives from the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, and Hungary. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are adopting this cutting-edge artillery cannon, piquing the interest of various European nations. While the majority of its subsystems are classified, Elbit recently developed a prototype of an export version. The cannon’s performance exceeded expectations, boasting a firing rate of at least eight rounds per minute, surpassing previous models. Its automatic shell reloading feature adds to its efficiency. The Roem self-propelled howitzer is mounted on wheels, enhancing its maneuverability, according to Elbit Systems. In a joint effort, Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems successfully executed a live-fire demonstration of the automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer in March.
This event, held at the Shivta firing range in southern Israel, saw participation from high-ranking officials representing the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary. The collaboration between Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems was formalized through a cooperative agreement last year, aiming to design, produce, and market an automated European 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system. The “Rheinmetall Elbit” partnership, led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, is vying for Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF)” initiative, aimed at modernizing and expanding the Bundeswehr’s artillery capabilities. The UK’s “Mobile Fires Platform” program also remains a priority, with potential interest from Hungary and other nations.
This collaboration leverages Elbit’s experience in fully automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurement programs, establishing a technically advanced system. This facilitates the integration of Rheinmetall’s gun into the Elbit system’s unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret, a stage already well underway in the verification process. This strategic move reduces development risks and accelerates operational readiness. Active bilateral technology transfer is in progress, promoting the exchange of domestic expertise and components. Rheinmetall is currently making adaptations to tailor the system to European operational requirements and adhere to German regulatory approvals. Moreover, the collaboration benefits from Rheinmetall’s proven 155mm L52 gun, the high mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a safeguarded cabin, and electronic elements for the fire control unit and sensor suite.
Elbit Systems supplies a wide spectrum of artillery systems, including the world renowned 155mm ATMOS truck-mounted howitzer and the 120mm CARDOM autonomous recoiling mortar. These combat-proven solutions have seen extensive use by the US Army, NATO countries, the Israel Defense Forces and others. Extensive integration expertise, combined with in-house development, enables Elbit Systems’ hardware components and communications systems to adapt to a wide range of platforms. As the premier artillery supplier to the Israel Defense Forces, Elbit Systems offers a comprehensive array of fully-integrated artillery solutions that incorporate smart technology, automatic laying and loading capacity, Fire Control Systems (FCS), and modular weapon products. All products can be tailored to customer specifications.
