According to a picture published on the Twitter account of "MilitaryLand.net" on May 2, 2023, the United States delivered M109A6 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers to the 118th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian army.
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U.S. soldiers delivered M109A6 155mm self-propelled howitzers to the 118th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian army. (Picture source Twitter account MilitaryLand.net)
On January 6, 2023, the United States Department of Defense announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, and for the first time, the Ukrainian army with be equipped with American 18 M109A6 Paladin 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers.
Currently, the Ukrainian army is already equipped with M109 155 howitzers coming from Italy, Latvia, Norway, and M109A4BE was bought by the Government of the UK to the private defense company OIP Land Systems.
The M109A6 Paladin is manufactured by BAE Systems (formerly United Defense), an American defense contractor. The Paladin entered service with the United States Army in the mid-1990s, providing an upgraded artillery system with enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessors.
The M109A6 Paladin, a self-propelled and tracked howitzer artillery system, serves as an essential component of the United States Army's arsenal. As an enhanced iteration of the M109 series, the "A6" designation highlights advancements over previous models. First deployed in the mid-1990s, the Paladin has participated in numerous conflicts and operations, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The M109A6 Paladin accommodates a crew of five, including a commander, a gunner, two ammunition handlers, and a driver. Its hull features all-welded aluminum armor, offering improved protection against counter-battery fire and other threats. The driver occupies the front left of the hull, while the power pack is situated to the right, and the turret resides at the rear. The turret also contains the crew compartment, where the commander, gunner, and ammunition loader perform their duties.
Equipped with a 155mm M284 howitzer, the M109A6 Paladin's primary weapon can fire an array of ammunition types, such as High Explosive (HE), High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), White Phosphorus (WP), illumination rounds, and GPS-guided Excalibur artillery rounds.
The M109A6 Paladin boasts superior mobility across diverse terrains, enabling it to maintain pace with mechanized units and swiftly maneuver into firing positions. Its tracked chassis offers exceptional off-road capabilities, and its suspension system ensures a smooth ride and enhanced stability during firing operations.
Powered by a turbocharged Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine, the M109A6 Paladin generates approximately 440 horsepower. This engine enables the Paladin to reach a maximum road speed of around 61 km/h and cover a distance of nearly 320 kilometers with a full fuel tank.
The M109A6 is an American-made 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source U.S. DoD)
