The Swiss Federal Office for Armaments (Armasuisse) has completed the practical evaluation phase for three advanced artillery systems. This testing process is a key milestone in the ongoing effort to replace the aging M109 self-propelled howitzers, which have been in service since the 1960s and are nearing the end of their operational life. Between January 2023 and June 2024, Armasuisse, in collaboration with industry partners and the Swiss Army, conducted extensive tests both domestically and internationally. The aim was to determine whether the selected systems meet the stringent requirements of the Swiss military. These trials included logistical clarifications, technical firing tests, mobility assessments, and troop evaluations of the three shortlisted systems.
These systems were assessed not only for their technical performance but also for their suitability for the Swiss militia-based military structure. The tests focused on the systems’ ability to meet key project objectives, including enhanced range, precision, mobility, and overall operational effectiveness. The three artillery systems under evaluation are:
- Archer Mobile Howitzer by BAE Systems Bofors, Sweden.
- RCH 155 mounted on a Boxer carrier platform, by KNDS Germany.
- AGM (Artillery Gun Module) on a Piranha carrier platform, also by KNDS Germany.
In addition to the practical trials, the Swiss Federal Office for Armaments is simultaneously managing the formal request for offers from manufacturers. These proposals cover essential contractual and financial details, including life cycle costs, which will be crucial in making the final procurement decision. The results from the field trials, combined with the business evaluations, will form the foundation for the selection of the final system. The procurement decision is expected to be finalized in the near future, as part of one of the upcoming army messages, a formal communication to the Swiss government and parliament.
The decision to modernize the Swiss Army’s artillery capabilities is driven by the need to replace the aging M109 howitzers. The “Artillery Platform and Means 2026” (Art WPWM 26) project is designed to ensure that Switzerland retains and enhances its ability to deliver indirect fire over medium operational distances. This next-generation system aims to provide greater range, improved precision, and enhanced mobility, reflecting the evolving demands of modern warfare. As the evaluation process moves toward a conclusion, Switzerland is poised to make a critical investment in its defense capabilities, ensuring that its artillery forces remain effective and adaptable for years to come.
