Las Fuerzas de Defensa de Israel (FDI) reciben los primeros sistemas de artillería Autopropulsados (SPH) a rueda y en calibre 155mm, desarrollados y fabricados íntegramente en ese país. Denominado SIGMA 155 y desarrollado por Elbit Systems, forma parte de un programa de I&D iniciado en 2019 con el objetivo de reemplazar los SPH M109 a orugas de origen estadounidense, con muchos años en servicio. SIGMA está instalado sobre una plataforma de alta movilidad y dispone de un sistema automático de carga y disparo, que permite reducir la dotación de arma de 7 soldados a solo 3. Además, esta automatización permite pasar de la “condición de marcha” a la ejecución del disparo, en solo 60 segundos, con una cadencia de disparo de 8 proy/min.
The Israel Defense Forces has received its first domestically produced wheeled self-propelled howitzer, marking the start of replacing the aging US-origin M109 fleet.
Known as the SIGMA 155, or Ro’em in Hebrew, the Elbit Systems artillery system is set to undergo initial test firings at the Tze’elim training range in the coming weeks as part of its induction program, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported.
The first standing battalion equipped with the system, part of the IDF Artillery Corps’ 282nd Brigade, is expected to become operational this fall.
The first fully operational SIGMA 155 formation is projected within three years, with all regular IDF artillery battalions slated to transition to the system by the end of the decade.
As part of the transition, existing M109 howitzers — particularly newer variants — are expected to be reassigned to reserve units. Some may also be used for spare parts, as live-fire targets, or retained for emergency use.
This represents a shift from earlier plans to scrap the M109 fleet, a reassessment reportedly influenced by operational lessons from the Gaza conflict following Hamas’ October 7, 2024, attack.
Advanced System
Developed from scratch by Elbit Systems since 2019, the SIGMA 155 is designed to replace hundreds of legacy M109 tracked self-propelled artillery systems.
Tailored to Israeli operational requirements, it offers significant improvements in range, mobility, and firepower.
The 155mm/52-caliber system can engage targets at up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) and benefits from enhanced mobility provided by its wheeled chassis.
Key features include a firing rate of eight rounds per minute and the ability to transition from travel to fire mode in as little as 60 seconds.
The system can conduct coordinated, time-on-target strikes with other SIGMA 155 units and fire multiple shells along different trajectories to achieve simultaneous salvo effects.
An automatic shell-loading system reduces crew size from seven to three.
Fuente: https://thedefensepost.com
