
The U.S. Army is gearing up for a major artillery upgrade, launching a competition for self-propelled howitzers that could reshape its firepower capabilities by 2030.
At a Glance
- Army to release Phase I request for proposal in mid-February for self-propelled howitzers
- Five companies awarded contracts totaling $4 million for performance demonstrations
- Competition aims to improve lethality, range, and rate of fire using mature technology
- Initial fielding expected around 2030, supporting the Army’s artillery modernization goals
Army Launches New Artillery Initiative
The U.S. Army is taking a significant step towards modernizing its artillery capabilities. Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean has announced an upcoming competition in mid-February to determine the most suitable self-propelled howitzer models for the service. This initiative is part of a broader effort to overhaul the Army’s artillery segment by 2030, focusing on improved strategic mobility, enhanced firepower, and quicker response times.
The Army has awarded contracts to five companies for the Self-Propelled Howitzer Performance Demonstration: American Rheinmetall Vehicles, BAE BOFORS, Hanwha Defense USA, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Elbit Systems USA. The total value of these contracts is approximately $4 million, signaling a serious investment in the future of U.S. artillery capabilities.
The competition will unfold in two phases. Phase I, described as the “get to test” phase, will begin with the release of a request for proposal in mid-February. This phase will involve testing mature platforms without eliminating any vendors, maintaining a competitive environment throughout the process.
“Phase I is the ‘get to test’ phase which includes further testing of mature platforms, and it will not be a vendor down select — competition in this phase remains critical,” Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean said.
Contracts for Phase I are expected to be awarded between July and September, with testing continuing through fiscal 2026. The Army plans to complete all vendor performance demonstrations by the end of 2024, which will inform the service’s Cannon Transformation Strategy. Phase II evaluations are scheduled for early fiscal year 2027, with the goal of initial fielding around 2030.
Shifting Strategies and Technical Requirements
This competition marks a significant shift in the Army’s approach to artillery modernization. It follows the cancellation of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) platform, which was closed out in October 2023 due to the need for further maturation and redesign of the 58-caliber cannon.
The new initiative, known as the Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization (SPH-M) effort, aims to improve lethality, range, and rate of fire using mature technology. Evaluation criteria for the competing systems include range, precision, volume, mobility, and supportability. The Army is exploring both U.S. and international options to address capability gaps, emphasizing the need for next-generation artillery to deliver precise, effective, and mass fires.
As the competition unfolds, the Army’s leadership is optimistic about the potential outcomes. Early evaluations have indicated that vendors are ready for competitive evaluation, with promising developments in autonomy observed during the Army’s international evaluation tour.
“To support current and future operations, next generation artillery must deliver precise and effective fires at range and be able to mass fires to support operations,” Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean wrote in response to questions. “It is not an either/or, but both.”
This initiative represents a critical step in the Army’s efforts to modernize its artillery capabilities, ensuring that U.S. forces remain prepared to face the challenges of future conflicts. As the competition progresses, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of American firepower and strategic readiness.