Brazil plans to acquire 36 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers
According to information published by the “InfoDefensa” website on January 11, 2022, Brazil plans to launch a new acquisition program for the purchase of 36 wheeled self-propelled howitzers.
The goal of this program is to acquire a new mobile artillery system that can be more easily and quickly deployed and that will have the capabilities to reach targets at a maximum range of 40 km. Brazilian army plans to equip three companies of Artillery Division and Mechanized Brigade.
Citing the “InfoDefensa” website many companies all over the world produce mobile artillery systems but only two companies have already responded to the request of the Brazilian army including Nexter Systems from France who produces the CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer in 6×6 and 8×8 configuration and Israeli company Elbit Systems who has developed the ATMOS 2000.
According to the Brazilian defense industry, the company AVIBRAS could develop a new artillery system in collaboration with the French company Nexter using truck chassis of the Astros Mk6, a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher produced in Brazil by the Avibras.
Today, many armies in the world move to the use of wheeled self-propelled howitzers. Recently, the U.S. Army has requested information regarding the development of a 155mm self-propelled next-generation wheeled howitzer.
Currently, the Brazilian army doesn’t have wheeled self-propelled howitzers. According to the Military Balance 2021, the Brazilian army has a total of 1,407 artillery weapons including 24 M109A3 and 24 M109A5+ 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers. The tracked self-propelled howitzers are mainly used by armored mechanized units. It is heavier, but it provides a high level of protection and can be easily deployed in all-terrain conditions. The wheeled self-propelled howitzer is much lighter and can be deployed by fast reaction units using military transport aircraft. It also offers a high level of mobility and simplified logistics.