Switzerland is propelling its artillery capabilities into the future with the selection of the Artillery Gun Module (AGM) on the PIRANHA IV, a game-changing system that merges German innovation from KNDS Deutschland with the PIRANHA IV platform, built by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). This marks a significant leap forward for the Swiss Army as it bids farewell to its 50-year-old M109 system and welcomes a new era of advanced, motorized artillery.
A Modern Marvel in Artillery Design
The AGM on the PIRANHA IV platform isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a revolutionary artillery system. Designed for remote operation, the AGM is fully unmanned and equipped with an automated loader capable of managing projectiles and modular propellant charges. Its unique “shoot and scoot” capability lets it fire from any position, even while moving, drastically enhancing responsiveness on the battlefield. With Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) technology, the AGM can deliver precise, concentrated firepower, hitting targets from multiple angles at the same time.
PIRANHA IV: Agility Meets Tactical Precision
Mounted on the versatile PIRANHA IV 10×10 chassis, the AGM system marries firepower with unmatched mobility. The five-axle, four-steered-wheel design ensures the vehicle can navigate tight spaces, with a turning circle under 18.5 meters, allowing it to perform seamlessly even in challenging terrain. The system’s high level of automation and remote operation capabilities also mean fewer personnel are required, reducing the risks to Swiss Army soldiers during high-stakes missions.
Giuseppe Chillari, Managing Director of GDELS-Mowag, underscored the importance of the project’s swift development, praising the collaboration that made Swiss production of the AGM on the PIRANHA IV possible. “We are very proud to have contributed to such an innovative system within a short period of time and to support our domestic customer out of our Swiss production sites. AGM on PIRANHA IV is the newest member of the mission-proven PIRANHA family and will ensure a significant capability increase for the Swiss Army,” Chillari said.
Setting New Standards in Artillery for Switzerland and Beyond
GDELS Vice President for Global Sales, Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, highlighted the AGM’s capabilities, describing the system as a “new standard in the area of indirect fires” due to its “unmatched performance in firepower, precision strike, and maneuverability.” With this modular design, the AGM is adaptable across different platforms within the PIRANHA family, increasing its potential appeal to armed forces worldwide.
As Switzerland readies to present a formal procurement request to its Parliament next year, the nation moves closer to deploying this next-generation artillery powerhouse. For Switzerland, this development is not just about upgrading its military capabilities but ensuring the agility, precision, and safety of its forces in the evolving landscapes of modern warfare.
