The U.S. Army has selected five companies to conduct performance demonstrations for its Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization program.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles, BAE BOFORS, Hanwha Defense USA, General Dynamics Land Systems and Elbit Systems USA were each awarded separate contracts with a combined value of $4 million, the Army said Monday.
The SPH-M program aims to use advanced technology to enhance the self-propelled howitzer’s mobility, survivability, reliability, supportability and lethality.
According to Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer of the ground combat systems, the Army is exploring U.S. and international options for available and mature industry solutions to address its critical capability gaps.
“The performance demonstrations will support the Army’s pivot from development to procurement of a mature, available and non-developmental system,” said Dean.
The demonstrations are scheduled to start in November and targeted to wrap up by the end of the year.
If any of the selected vendors would showcase suitable prototypes, the Army could opt for a follow-on competitive evaluation, which may result in a production contract award.