Brazilian Army pushes ahead with procurement of 36 155 mm self-propelled howitzers amid international interest

The Brazilian Army Commission in Washington (CEBW) released the Request for Proposal/Tender (RFP/RFT) No. 01/2023 for the procurement of the Self-Propelled 155 mm Wheeled Howitzer Armored Combat Vehicle (VBC OAP 155 mm SR).

The link for businesses interested in the proposal will be available from August 17th on the Brazilian Army’s dedicated portal.

With plans to acquire 36 units, the Brazilian Army intends to equip three Self-propelled Field Artillery Groups with this new capability, a procurement that has been in the works since 2018.

This acquisition process was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but resumed in mid-2022 with the release of the public inquiry RFQ No. 01/2022.

On July 28th, the Brazilian Army published the third (revised) edition of its internal documents, reflecting feedback received from the 2022 RFQ.

The recent document emphasizes a preference for the Tatra T-815 automotive chassis, akin to the newer Astros 2020 MK6 vehicles, which succeeded a previous Mercedes Benz model.

The Tatra T815 chassis is also successfully employed by the Brazilian Army’s Armored Combat Engineering, beginning with the 5th Armored Combat Engineering Battalion.

Its pairing with the 155 mm/52 caliber howitzer is seen as a desirable technical requirement.

Moreover, integrating the platform and weaponry into the Génesis Artillery Fire Control System is considered an absolute technical requirement.

Several international companies, including France’s KNDS with the Caesar, Israel’s Elbit Systems with the Atmos, and Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors with the Archer, have shown interest in the procurement.

WHAT DOES THIS WEAPON DO

A 155mm self-propelled howitzer is a type of artillery weapon mounted on a mobile platform, allowing for both high firepower and mobility.

They are needed for several military purposes:

Firepower: The 155mm caliber provides significant firepower, able to deliver various munitions, including high-explosive, illuminating, smoke, and precision-guided projectiles, over long distances with great accuracy.

Mobility: Being self-propelled means these howitzers can move quickly around the battlefield, allowing them to change positions, avoid enemy counter-fire, and be more versatile in operational deployment.

Force Protection: Their mobility combined with armored protection ensures that the crew is protected from counter-battery fire and small arms fire, enhancing survivability on the battlefield.

Rapid Deployment: The ability to move quickly and fire without extensive setup enables rapid response to evolving tactical situations.

Indirect Fire Support: They provide fire support to infantry and armored units, engaging enemy positions, fortifications, and equipment from a distance, often from concealed or defilade positions.

Force Multiplier: Their presence can significantly enhance the capabilities of a ground force, providing a psychological deterrent to the enemy and a confidence booster to friendly forces.

Versatility: Modern self-propelled howitzers can fire a range of munitions, including guided munitions and cluster bombs, making them versatile tools for different mission requirements.

Integrated Systems: Modern designs often incorporate advanced targeting, communication, and navigation systems, enabling them to quickly acquire targets, coordinate with other units, and reduce the chances of friendly fire.

Interdiction and Area Denial: They can be used to interdict enemy supply routes, troop concentrations, or to deny the use of certain areas to the enemy through sustained fire.

Counter-Battery Fire: Equipped with advanced radar and detection systems, they can identify enemy artillery positions and engage them, suppressing or neutralizing enemy artillery threats.

In essence, 155mm self-propelled howitzers combine the firepower of traditional artillery with the advantages of mobility and protection, making them a key component in modern combined arms warfare.