More M109A7s for US Army

BAE Systems receives contract for 48 M109A7s and M923A3 CAT vehicles.

March 24, 2020.

The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a $339 million contract modification for the production of 48 vehicle sets of M109A7 Self-propelled Howitzer (SPH) and its companion, the M992A3 Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked (CAT) vehicle, and includes post-delivery support and spare parts.

'Dagger' Brigade Soldiers stand in front of a Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle that hauls ammunition for the M-109A6 Paladin, in the foreground. "Gold Miner" logistics coaches emphasize correct ammunition reporting procedures. The brigade is participating in a decisive action training exercise at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 23, 2013. US Army

The M109A7 SPH and M992A3 CAT vehicle set is a vital program enhancement for increased combat capability and sustainment of the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). The program offers enhanced indirect-fire artillery capabilities to the ABCTs with new technologies for power generation and survivability.

Interior cut-away showing how the M992 delivers ammo to the M109A7

The new M109A7 addresses long-term readiness and modernization needs of the M109 self-propelled howitzer family through a critical redesign and production plan that leverages today’s most advanced technology. Its state-of-the-art “digital backbone” and power generation capability provides a more robust, survivable, and responsive indirect fire support capability for ABCT Soldiers. The M109A7 is a significant upgrade over the M109A6 as it enhances reliability, maintainability, performance, responsiveness, lethality, and crew survivability.

M109A7 and M9923 from the US Army's description of 2019 programs.

The initial contract was awarded in 2017 for low-rate production. This most recent order brings the total number of M109A7 and M992A3 vehicle sets to 204, with a total contract value of $1.5 billion. The award follows the Army’s decision, announced in February, to commence full-rate production of the vehicle. 

From the staff of North America's no. 1 historic military vehicle source -- Military Vehicles Magazine