The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a $535-million contract for the production of additional Paladin tracked self-propelled howitzers.
This is the second order following Washington’s five-year framework announced in September 2025 to acquire the vehicle’s latest M109A7 configuration.
The first purchase under that program was executed in January 2026 with a price tag of $473 million.
In addition to the Paladins, both contracts incorporate M992A3 platforms, which are field artillery ammunition replenishment variants of the mobile artillery.
“The M109A7 Paladin is a battle-proven platform that delivers what Soldiers need to succeed on today’s battlefield,” said Dan Furber, combat mission systems vice president of artillery programs at BAE Systems.
“With its reliable performance and robust industrial base, the Paladin ensures our troops have the firepower and support they can count on when it matters most.”
The M109A7 Paladin
The Paladin’s M109A7 architecture is built with “shoot-and-scoot” capability to neutralize targets and move out of their firing position within 1 minute to escape potential return fire, maintaining sustained lethality during combat.
Its 155-millimeter cannon is supported by a 12.7-millimeter machine gun and aluminum alloy armor, enhancing both firepower and survivability.
The vehicle measures 20 feet (6 meters) long, weighs 84,000 pounds (38,102 kilograms), and is operated by a commander, a gunner, a loader, and a driver.
Paladin runs with a four-forward drive transmission and a 675-horsepower engine to achieve speeds up to 38 miles (61 kilometers) per hour and a range of 186 miles (299 kilometers).
