Sigma is a new self-propelled howitzer that was produced by the Israel Elbit Systems inside the country. The whole development of the program was finished in 2021. Its purpose is to replace the M109 howitzers. It's more likely that this replacement will start around 2023. In the previous year, Israel agreed to export the howitzers to an Asia-Pacific country, which is still unknown.
CONTINUE READING
It's a habit: another one Chinese self-propelled howitzer
Sigma is armed with a 155mm/L52 gun that can shoot every NATO 155mm ammunition. The weapon is fully automatic and features an automatic loading system too. Its fire rate is said to be high.
Sigma has a range of 30km with the standard HE-FGRAG shells and at least 40km with rocket-guided ammunition. This range is highly improved compared to the 22-30km of the M109A5. It's possible that Sigma can launch precision-guided shells.
The crew of the system includes three members that sit inside the armored cabin. The vehicle also features an NBC protection system.
Last, the transport platform isn't tracked but is based on a 10x10 tracked configuration instead. Such vehicles are cheaper and easier to be produced and maintained.
