The M109, a widely-used American howitzer, has been operated by the Swiss Armed Forces since 1971. Under Swiss operation, the M109 has received numerous modernisations, though it is gradually being phased out of service, as its service life is approaching its end. [1]
During the 1950s, the Swiss Army considered the development of a local self-propelled howitzer. The Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette was commissioned to study this possibility.
In 1966, development began on a system based on the Panzer 61 chassis, which would use the 15.5 cm L/42 cannon, have a range of up to 30 km, and fire up to 6 rounds per minute with an automatic loading system. Four systems were manufactured before the program was suspended due to technical difficulties and financial considerations. [2] The M109 was then selected as the future self-propelled howitzer of the Swiss Army.
Over time, a total of 581 M109 were ordered, and today, 133 M-109 KAWEST WE are in service
146 Pz Hb 66("15.5 cm Panzerhaubitze 66"), purchased with the armament program 1968, and introduced from 1971. This first batch is made of the first generation of M109 with a L-23 calibre cannon. [3]
120 Pz Hb 74("15.5 cm Panzerhaubitze 74") purchased with the armament program RP 74, and introduced from 1974 to 1978.This batch is made of the M109A1B with a L-39 calibre cannon. All were retired by 2003. [6]
207 Pz Hb 79("15.5 cm Panzerhaubitze 79") purchased with the armament program RP 79, introduction from 1981 to 1983. This batch is made of the M109A1B with a L-39 calibre cannon. 182 were retired by 2003. [7]
108 Pz Hb 88("15.5 cm Panzerhaubitze 88") purchased with the armament program RP 88, introduction from 1991 to 1992. This batch is made of the M109A1B with a L-39 calibre cannon. [9]
133 Pz Hb KAWEST WE are in use, 90 used in five artillery divisions, and 43 used in basic training, [11] 62 were sold to other countries, and few variants remain in museums.
The armament program "Artillerie Wirkplattform und Wirkmittel 2026" for the replacement of the M109 KAWEST WE is ongoing.
Two systems were shortlisted in 2022, the BAE Archer and the RCH 155 as indicated in the table below.
| Potential equipment | Image | Origin | Vehicle base | Quantity | Calibre | In service from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer |  |  Sweden  Germany | Rheinmetall HX2 (8×8) | Not public | 155 mm L/52 | Around 2028 |
| RCH 155 |  | Germany | Boxer (8×8) | Not public | 155 mm L/52 | Around 2028 |
 |  Switzerland Germany | Piranha IV (10×10) |
The trials are planned for 2023–2024, and the selection for the successor will take place in 2025. The new self-propelled howitzer should be financed with the Armament Program 2026. [18] The successor should be in service by the beginning of the 2030s.
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