The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) unveiled its groundbreaking 8×8 155mm self-propelled howitzer at the World Defense Show 2024. This new addition, currently undergoing rigorous trials with the Saudi Armed Forces, puts SAMI in direct competition with the French CAESAR and the German RCH 155, signaling a significant advancement in the Saudi defense industry. While the name of the new self-propelled howitzer remains undisclosed, SAMI’s representatives have revealed key details about the innovative vehicle. Developed in collaboration with the Saudi military, the 8×8 howitzer is based on a Czech TATRA truck chassis, featuring a crew armor cab at the front and a 155mm cannon at the rear. Equipped with a semi-automatic loading system and storage for charge and rounds, the howitzer promises to be a formidable addition to the Saudi arsenal.
The Saudi Army and the National Guard, currently operating the French-manufactured CAESAR, are set to benefit from SAMI’s latest venture. The 8×8 howitzer represents a leap forward for the Saudi defense industry, aiming to compete with European-made wheeled howitzers by offering a product entirely designed and developed within the Kingdom. Key features of the new howitzer include a sophisticated computerized fire control system, enabling precision targeting and firing operations both inside and outside the crew cab. The vehicle is armed with a variety of ammunition, including standard 155mm rounds, GPS-guided shells, and a locally produced version of the American M982 Excalibur—showcasing SAMI’s commitment to innovation and self-sufficiency.
SAMI’s presentation at the World Defense Show not only highlighted the capabilities of the new self-propelled howitzer but also showcased the broader potential of the Saudi defense industry in developing cutting-edge combat vehicles. This development represents a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the goals outlined in Vision 2030. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia transitions to a new phase focused on human resources, income source diversification, and self-sufficiency, SAMI’s emergence as a national entity in 2017 plays a crucial role. Founded to develop and support defense industries in the Kingdom, SAMI is positioned to be a significant outcome of Vision 2030, contributing to the localization of half of the military expenditure by 2030 and opening new prospects for local investment in the defense sector.
