The Swiss procurement authority armasuisse and KNDS have signed a comprehensive contract for the procurement of 32 AGM self-propelled howitzer systems on the Piranha IV (KNDS designation Donar 10×10). KNDS, as the general contractor, and GDELS-Mowag, as the subcontractor for the Piranha IV carrier vehicle, will deliver the series systems to the Swiss Army from 2031. Other contract components include equipping the army with 32 ammunition loading containers developed by KNDS, training materials, and comprehensive logistical support.
“KNDS is implementing with this contract the largest Swiss artillery procurement project of the last years. Not only are we grateful for this significant procurement contract in itself, but also for the decades-long closeness and the fundamental trust that the Swiss user and armasuisse place in us. KNDS will not only deliver self-propelled howitzers. From training on the system and its maintenance, through logistical support to ammunition storage, we offer as a system house a comprehensive mission solution according to the customer’s wishes,” said Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Germany.
Donar 10×10 ist zweites AGM-System nach RCH 155
The modular approach of the automatic and remotely controlled artillery gun module (AGM) enables its integration on the latest variant of the 10×10 Piranha IV from GDELS-Mowag. The AGM is worldwide the only system capable of conducting fire during movement. In addition to the RCH 155 on the Boxer chassis, contracted in Germany, the UK, Qatar, and Ukraine, Donar 10×10 is KNDS’s second self-propelled artillery system that provides all the functionalities of a modern tube artillery.
The AGM offers the complete autonomy of the overall system in guidance, navigation, and fire direction, as well as, due to its inherent stability, entirely new deployment options. Donar 10×10 can be operated without restriction with a crew of two. Optional, the vehicle offers sufficient space for one more crew member or additional storage. The firing envelope of the AGM is 360 degrees. Thanks to the robust 10×10 multi-link chassis, mechanical stabilization during firing is not required and allows firing the main gun while moving.
The notable “Shoot & Scoot” capability, as well as MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) capability, as well as both indirect and direct aiming against moving land and sea targets, enhance the system’s artillery capabilities. Recently, GDELS-Mowag’s parent company General Dynamics Land Systems presented the AGM on the Piranha 10×10 under the designation Grizzly also for a corresponding Canadian requirement.
