The defense company BAE Systems will provide the Brazilian Army with a first batch of 16 modernized M109 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers in 2016, announced a local media. Delivery of the second batch of howitzers is scheduled for 2018.

The armored troops of the Brazilian Army experienced significant upgrades past few years especially with the creation of the CL Bld (Armoured Training Center) in Santa Maria. This modernization process will reach a new step with the delivery of modernized M109s.

Up to now, Brazilian armored troops were more focused on the “Funcion Combate de Moviemento y Maniobra”, or “functional fighting movement”, with the procurement of new KMW Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks. Now the “Funcion de Combate por Fuegos” gained a new dimension with the acquisition of VBCOAP M109 A5 howitzers in the strategic project of the Brazilian Army OCOP (Full Operational Capability Acquisition).

The M109 A5 will be equipped with a V0 muzzle velocity radar system and a remote actuated travel lock similar to the M109 A6 Paladin, and equipped with a Falcon III radio system from Harris Corporation.

The inertial positioning GPS, the aiming system and the fire-control system will also be improved to increase the firing accuracy and execution. The modernization will also procure more protection against artillery fire.

Some components from the A5 model are maintained as the M284 pipe, the hydraulic system and the T154 skate. All these new technologies will be compatible with the AFATDS (Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System).