Latvia, Austria sign howitzer agreement
Latvia has signed an agreement with Austria for the purchase of type M109A5Oe self-propelled howitzers, the Latvian Ministry of Defence announced on 27 April.
The agreement includes 47 howitzers along with fire control centre and training platforms. Each unit will cost €60,000 to €140,000 depending on the configuration.
The howitzers will further improve indirect fire support capabilities of the Latvian armed forces and improve their ability to fully engage in NATO operations and training activities.
The howitzers were fully modernised between 2003 and 2007 and then mothballed.
The M109A5Oe type A howitzer is an upgraded version of the legacy A2/A3 type howitzers, equipped with 39 calibre M185 barrel. Howitzers have a range of 22km when standard ammunition is used, and the upgraded version can reach 30km range.
Latvian personnel are currently in Austria to undergo training on howitzer operation. The first artillery units will be delivered to Latvia this autumn.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Italy orders Skynex air defence system – with an option for three more]()
Italy orders Skynex air defence system – with an option for three more
Skynex systems are designed to counter threats from missiles, artillery and mortars, as well as drones and loitering munitions.
-
![Germany asks for an offer on 6x6 Patria order]()
Germany asks for an offer on 6x6 Patria order
The Patria 6x6 Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) armoured personnel carrier (APC) is a wheeled vehicle which can be used for a variety of roles.
-
![New ROGUE-Fires contract moves programme forward]()
New ROGUE-Fires contract moves programme forward
The $29.9 million agreement covers the delivery of 48 platforms.
-
![Solving production & supply chain challenges with additive manufacturing]()
Solving production & supply chain challenges with additive manufacturing
Boosting supply chain resilience with additive manufacturing: exploring solutions to production and logistics challenges.
-
![British Army and UK Royal Navy new counter-drone soft-kill systems near fielding]()
British Army and UK Royal Navy new counter-drone soft-kill systems near fielding
Ongoing military operations in Europe and the Middle East have accelerated the development of a variety of systems to defeat uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
