Swiss Army to Receive PIRANHA IV Based Artillery Gun Module

In a significant step forward for Switzerland’s defense capabilities, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), in collaboration with KNDS Deutschland, has been chosen by armasuisse, the Swiss federal procurement agency, to supply the Swiss Army’s next-generation artillery platform.

This partnership brings together the best of both companies’ expertise, combining KNDS’s highly advanced 155mm Artillery Gun Module (AGM) with GDELS’s versatile and maneuverable PIRANHA IV Heavy Mission Carrier, creating a system that promises unprecedented levels of mobility, precision, and firepower for the Swiss Armed Forces.

A Technological Leap with PIRANHA IV & Artillery Gun Module (AGM)

The newly selected artillery system will utilize the PIRANHA IV Heavy Mission Carrier as its core platform. The PIRANHA series, which has already proven reliable in the Swiss Army. This upgrade aims to enhance payload capacity, volume, and adaptability while maintaining an impressive level of agility, even on rugged terrains.

One of the standout features of this variant is its five-axle configuration with four steered axles. This design feature is crucial in supporting mobility-intensive operations, as it ensures not only a stable firing base but also effective recoil absorption during high-intensity missions. Whether crossing trenches or navigating sharp turns, the PIRANHA IV has a turning radius of less than 18.5 meters, allowing it to traverse tight spaces and reposition swiftly, making it highly effective for modern “shoot-and-scoot” tactics.

The “shoot-and-scoot” maneuver capability, which refers to firing at a target and quickly repositioning before enemy counter-fire, is further enabled by the platform’s design, making it ideal for rapid response in volatile conditions. The PIRANHA IV is built to move seamlessly between roadways and off-road terrains, reaching firing positions without requiring extended setup or stabilization time.

The integration of the 155mm AGM with the PIRANHA IV is a strategic move designed to maximize Switzerland’s artillery precision and response time. The AGM is renowned for its ability to engage targets with minimal preparation time, offering direct aiming options and impressive target coverage.

Additionally, it features full 360-degree fire coverage, meaning that the system can swiftly engage targets in any direction without repositioning. This 360-degree coverage is particularly beneficial for modern battlefield scenarios, where threats can arise from multiple directions.

With the AGM’s rapid deployment and versatile firing options, the new artillery system can maintain a high rate of fire and ensure accuracy, even under challenging conditions. This modular gun is purpose-built for integration into various vehicle platforms, and in the PIRANHA IV, it finds an ideal carrier that combines mobility with the capacity for rapid target engagement.

Strategic Advantages and Defensive Strength

This PIRANHA IV-AGM artillery system will replace the aging M109 howitzers currently in use, offering Swiss forces a cutting-edge alternative that strengthens their strategic posture. In an era marked by swiftly evolving security challenges, the Swiss Army’s new artillery system provides essential upgrades in firepower, responsiveness, and maneuverability.

The artillery unit’s increased mobility allows for faster repositioning, enhancing its ability to adapt in fast-changing tactical environments. In addition to its mobility, the PIRANHA IV’s versatility and heavy payload capacity make it a formidable asset for supporting ground forces across diverse terrain, from mountainous regions to urban areas.

The combination of high-caliber firepower and the advanced PIRANHA IV carrier vehicle ensures that Switzerland’s military can effectively respond to a variety of threats, whether conventional or asymmetric.

The selection of the PIRANHA IV-AGM system for Switzerland underscores the nation’s commitment to modernizing its military equipment and ensuring readiness against future threats. By investing in this advanced artillery solution, the Swiss government reinforces its resolve to equip the Swiss Army with high-tech, reliable tools capable of responding to new-age warfare challenges.

With GDELS and KNDS at the helm, this project brings not only state-of-the-art technology but also a promise of reliability and sustainability in line with Switzerland’s national defense strategy. The advanced PIRANHA IV artillery system is anticipated to be a cornerstone in Switzerland’s defense infrastructure, setting a new standard for what modern artillery can achieve.