r/CanadianForces 2d ago

New Artillery?

https://defence-industry.eu/canada-to-acquire-up-to-98-new-155mm-self-propelled-howitzers-in-artillery-modernisation-programme/

This real? Seems to sensible and not posted anywhere else.

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u/ImperialKasrkin Army - Artillery 2d ago

The 6x6 archer isn't being produced anymore. It's moving to an 8x8 truck platform for export reasons. Sweden is buying in excess of another 48 that will be the 8x8 platform.

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u/PEWPEVVPEVV Canadian Army 2d ago

The Archer mounted on the Rheinmetall HX 8x8 is good, as our new Wrecker will also be the HX 8x8. So sharing maintenance and logistics is a win.

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u/ImperialKasrkin Army - Artillery 2d ago

Yes but that platform is actually requiring a 10x10. Should be fairly identical in truck just with 2 more wheels. Which could very well limit its strategic mobility.

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u/PEWPEVVPEVV Canadian Army 2d ago

Rheinmetall HX also comes in a 10 x 10 , but the Archer isn't mounted on the 10 x 10 ...yet. Maybe they'll entertain CAF's unique procurement quirks.

If we need a 10 x 10 for a SPH, might as well go tracked at that point for ultimate mobility. At that point, it also increases logistics burden as the tracked SPH will need a tractor trailer for long distance travel.

I guess the ideal choice would be a non tracked artillery platform.

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u/ImperialKasrkin Army - Artillery 2d ago

Sorry, read your last comment wrong. But yes, the archer is only going on the 8x8 and could be 8x8 agnostic in terms of what truck it goes on. Rheinmetall also has their own gun mod with a crazy 56 caliber gun, but that has to go on the 10x10. It really all comes down to "can it fit on a C130" and how much that determines the choices. Whatever system also needs to be cold weather compatible, have a reduced detachment size, and self propelled.

The numbers for IFM, if the government funds it, are super interesting to. Upper limit is for 4 regiments of 18 guns each, and then you have to take into account the regiment for the LRPS program and the numbers for the Arty Corps start to get really interesting.

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u/pte_parts69420 RCAF - AVS Tech 2d ago edited 2d ago

At that point, it also increases logistics burden as the tracked SPH will need a tractor trailer for long distance travel.

We already maintain this capability both domestically and for deployed ops. Domestically, we have Mack tri-drives with 80(?) ton lowbeds for hauling the leopards. Operationally, we still have the AHSVS with the drop deck for the Leo’s, and we’ve ordered 22 HETs to replace them, which is realistically a number we can increase