GDELS – Type for Switzerland’s new artillery system selected: PIRANHA-IV-based wheeled howitzers
Kreuzlingen, November 11, 2024 – The national procurement agency armasuisse announced last week that KNDS Deutschland together with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has been selected to provide the Swiss Army’s new artillery system, which will combine the 155 mm AGM from KNDS with the PIRANHA IV from GDELS. A corresponding procurement request will be submitted to parliament next year.
The PIRANHA IV Heavy Mission Carrier is a 10×10 version of the proven PIRANHA family, already in use by the Swiss Army, that combines high payload and volume with low axle loads and excellent agility. The five axles, four of which are steered, ensure unparalleled mobility and recoil absorption particularly during shooting while scooting, high trench crossing capabilities and a turning circle of less than 18.5 meters. In the artillery variant, the vehicle accommodates the two-person crew and an optional third crew member with their equipment. The gun module itself is unmanned; loading and aiming of the weapon system are fully automated. The PIRANHA platform enables the system not only to be deployed independently on road, but also to quickly change firing positions even in rough terrain. Together with the AGM, rapid opening of fire without preparation, shooting on the move, direct aiming and 360° fire are possible.
“We are very proud to have contributed to such an innovative system within a short period of time and to support our domestic customer out of our Swiss production sites. AGM on PIRANHA IV is the newest member of the mission-proven PIRANHA family and will ensure a significant capability increase for the Swiss Army,” says Giuseppe Chillari, Managing Director of GDELS – Mowag. Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President for Global Sales, adds: “The unmatched performance of the AGM on the PIRANHA IV in terms of firepower, precision strike and maneuverability sets a new standard in the area of indirect fires. We are confident that this latest member of the PIRANHA family will also succeed internationally.”
Photo courtesy GDELS
