The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have officially introduced the Roem (Sigma) self-propelled howitzer, marking a significant advancement in artillery technology. This 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled howitzer, developed by Elbit Systems, is being hailed as the world’s first fully automatic artillery piece. The Roem is set to replace hundreds of aging 155 mm/39 calibre M109 howitzers within the Israeli Artillery Corps. The integration of the Roem would enhance the capabilities of corps commanders, providing close and lethal support to maneuvering forces and significantly improving both offensive and defensive operations. One of the most innovative aspects of the Roem is its ability to fire multiple shells in rapid succession at varying trajectories, creating a salvo effect on the target.
The Roem stands out for its rapid deployment capabilities, transitioning from travel to fire mode in just 60 seconds and boasting a firing rate of eight rounds per minute. This wheeled system offers superior mobility compared to the tracked M109 and has an impressive firing range of up to 40 kilometers (25 miles). The gun’s European variant is expected to achieve a range of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles), showcasing the system’s adaptable design for different operational requirements. Built on a modified Oshkosh 10×10 military truck chassis, the Roem features an armored cabin at the front, providing enhanced blast and mine protection for its crew of three.
“The relevance and dominance of artillery fire are evident in warfare. We have taken yet another significant step towards integrating the ‘Roem’ into the diverse firepower capabilities wielded by corps commanders to assist maneuvering forces — close and lethal support that eliminates many enemies and protects soldiers in various arenas. The ‘Roem’ is part of the reinforcement processes of all ground artillery systems, including rockets, missiles, and remotely piloted aircraft,” Israel Defense Forces’s chief artillery officer Brig, Gen. Yair Natans said.
Roem is a 155mm/52 calibre self-propelled howitzer capable of automatic loading and laying of the gun system, rapid in-and-out action times and high rate of fire. The system’s fully automatic loading and laying capabilities, combined with its rapid in-and-out action times and high rate of fire, make it a formidable addition to modern artillery arsenals. It offers a protected cabin for a crew of three. Depending on the mission, Roem is capable of automatically selecting and loading the required projectile, propellant and fuze and laying the gun to optimally engage targets. Mounted on the rear of the chassis will be an automatic turret armed with a 155 mm/52 calibre barrel with a 23 litre chamber that meets the NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and is fitted with a muzzle brake and fume extractor.
