At the International Defence & Security Exhibition FEINDEF in Madrid, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), in partnership with KNDS, has unveiled its latest innovation in self-propelled artillery: the 10×10 PIRANHA Advanced Artillery Carrier (AAC) . Launched in 2024, this system represents a significant leap forward in mobile artillery capabilities, combining the proven PIRANHA IV chassis with the fully automated 155 mm / L52 Artillery Gun Module (AGM) developed by KNDS.
The PIRANHA AAC is designed to deliver maximum indirect firepower, superior crew protection, and exceptional tracked mobility for navigating even the most challenging terrains. This development marks the next phase of collaboration between GDELS and KNDS, two leading European defense manufacturers, whose partnership began with the DONAR artillery system. With the introduction of the PIRANHA AAC, GDELS now offers both wheeled and tracked variants of highly automated artillery systems, reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy in defense manufacturing.
Recent conflicts have underscored the enduring importance of self-propelled indirect fire support as a decisive factor on the battlefield. The PIRANHA AAC addresses this need by integrating cutting-edge technology into a robust platform. The system builds on the PIRANHA IV Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC) , a 10×10 variant of the renowned PIRANHA family already in service with the Swiss Army. This configuration provides a high payload capacity, low axle loads, and outstanding agility, making it ideal for diverse operational environments.
Key features of the PIRANHA AAC include:
- Five axles, four of which are steered , ensuring unparalleled mobility and recoil absorption during firing while scooting.
- High trench-crossing capability and a turning circle of less than 18.5 meters, enhancing maneuverability in confined spaces.
- Accommodation for a two-person crew (with an optional third member) within a fully armored cab, providing enhanced survivability in combat zones.
Notably, the AGM is unmanned, with loading and aiming processes fully automated. This design not only reduces crew workload but also enables rapid deployment and swift changes in firing positions, even in rough terrain. The system supports operations such as rapid unprepared firing, shooting on the move, direct aiming, and full 360° engagement.
The fully automated 155 mm / L52 Artillery Gun Module (AGM) itself is a modular system that can be mounted on either tracked or wheeled platforms, offering flexibility in integration and cost efficiency. Its vehicle-independent auxiliary power unit allows the gun to operate independently of the carrier engine, conserving fuel and reducing noise signatures. Additionally, the system incorporates an inertial reference unit connected to a Global Positioning System (GPS), ensuring precision without requiring external stabilization mechanisms like hydraulic stabilizers. During recent demonstrations, the AGM showcased its “shoot-and-scoot” capabilities, achieving impressive performance metrics. In one test, the system fired a volley of ten 155 mm rounds in just 2 minutes and 19 seconds , with the two-person crew safely seated inside the armored cabin. These results highlight the system’s ability to maintain high rates of fire while minimizing exposure to enemy counter-battery threats.
The collaboration between GDELS and KNDS exemplifies a broader effort to strengthen transatlantic ties in defense innovation. By leveraging German-French expertise through KNDS and the European arm of the US-based General Dynamics Corporation, the PIRANHA AAC project underscores the potential for cross-border partnerships to drive technological advancements in military equipment. In a related development, Switzerland’s procurement agency, Armasuisse , announced last year that KNDS Deutschland and GDELS had been selected to supply the Swiss Army’s new artillery system. This contract will see the integration of the KNDS-developed AGM with the PIRANHA IV platform, further solidifying the reputation of the PIRANHA family as a versatile and reliable choice for modern militaries.
