US Army Finalizing Artillery Modernization Study, Acquisition Head Says

The U.S. Army is completing a tactical fires study on artillery modernization to help the service prepare its fiscal 2025 budget, a top official told Breaking Defense. 

Doug Bush, the Army’s assistant secretary and acquisition head, said the study is analyzing the Army’s different modernization initiatives, including the Extended Range Cannon Artillery program, Defense News reported.

ERCA’s aim is to fire 155 mm rounds up to 70 km away using a gun tube integrated onto BAE Systems’ Paladin M109A7 self-propelled howitzer.

Bush disclosed that cannon wear and tear and other issues made the completion of the Army’s study more urgent.   

The service now has to decide on whether to move into production, revamp the platform design or abandon the effort, the official added.

According to Bush, a 2023 Wash100 awardee and a speaker at a past Potomac Officers Club event, the study is also weighing the better option between wheeled artillery and towed models, particularly for lighter units.

Lighter formations shifting to 120-millimeter mortars present a possible solution, the official said.