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
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December]()
US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December
The company recently announced a new US$95 million order for the Palletized Load System A2 under the FHTV V agreement.
-
![How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%]()
How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%
The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
-
![Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles]()
Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles
The PrSM missiles, known as Increment 1 weapon systems, will eventually replace the US Army’s Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
-
![US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years]()
US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years
The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office plans to deploy armoured and infantry platoon configurations around FY2027.
-
![Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs]()
Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs
Penske Australia will also carry out local assembly and testing of Allison X1100 series cross-drive transmission under licence using kits supplied by South Korea's SNT Dynamics.
-
![Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions]()
Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions
Swedish company showcases Arctic UGV test as it eyes NATO defence market expansion.
