M109A7 Paladin Howitzer

Full Specifications

M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer

The M109A7 Paladin is the U.S. Army’s primary self-propelled artillery system, designed to deliver sustained, accurate fire support for armored and mechanized forces. It is the latest upgrade of the long-running M109 family, built to match the pace, protection, and digital demands of modern ground combat. The system replaces aging components while keeping a proven 155 mm gun, giving the Army a reliable bridge between legacy artillery and future long-range fires.

The Paladin A7 was developed after lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan showed the need for better mobility, power generation, and networked fire control. It is paired with the M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked vehicle, forming an integrated artillery team.

Manufacturer

The M109A7 Paladin Howitzer is produced by BAE Systems Land and Armaments in the United States. While the gun system traces its roots to Cold War designs, the A7 variant is largely a new vehicle. It uses a common chassis with the Bradley fighting vehicle, improving logistics, training, and sustainment across Army units.

Speed and Range

Powered by a 600 horsepower diesel engine, the M109A7 Paladin Howitzer can reach road speeds of about 61 km/h. Its operational range is roughly 300 km, depending on terrain and load. The 155 mm M284 cannon can fire standard rounds beyond 22 km and exceed 30 km with rocket-assisted projectiles, providing deep fires in support of maneuver forces.

Cost / Price

Unit cost estimates for the M109A7 program generally range between USD 8 to 10 million per system, depending on production batch and support equipment. The program focuses on fleet replacement rather than export sales.