Tel Aviv: Some countries in Europe are evaluating the purchase of the Elbit Systems’ advanced artillery cannon ROEM. Meanwhile, the system is being introduced into the service of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) artillery corps.
The ROEM (which means “thunderous”) was recently unveiled to representatives of the armies from the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, and Hungary. Most of its sub systems are classified and recently Elbit built a prototype of an export version.
The cannon demonstrated the ability to fire at least eight rounds per minute, surpassing earlier models, and the shells are automatically reloaded. The tests showed that it could shoot at targets located 20 kilometres (12 miles), from the cannon in actual use, the range would be greater. The European version of this weapon will use different shells and be capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 80 kilometres (50 miles).
The European version will differ geometrically from the Israeli version, but the basic design will be the same. The cannon moves on wheels which according to Elbit gives the systems a higher manoeuvrability.
In March, Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems successfully conducted a live fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The demonstration of the new system took place in the Shivta firing range in southern Israel. It was attended by high-ranking officials of the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Hungary.
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems signed a cooperation agreement last year to develop, manufacture and market an automated European 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system. Led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the “Rheinmetall Elbit” team will compete for Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF)” programme, which will modernise and broaden the Bundeswehr’s artillery capabilities. The UK’s “Mobile Fires Platform” programme also remains a focus and additional potential customers, such as Hungary, have expressed interest.
The cooperation between Rheinmetall and Elbit builds on the fully automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurement programmes that Elbit has signed with Israel and additional customers. As a result, a technically mature system is already available, enabling the integration of a Rheinmetall gun into the unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret of the Elbit system. The integration is currently in an advanced phase of the verification process. This will help reduce development risks and enable faster realisation of operational readiness.
Intensive bilateral technology transfer is currently underway, increasing the availability of domestic know-how and components. Rheinmetall is currently carrying out modifications to customise the system to European operational requirements and the German regulatory approval process. Furthermore, the Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise brings its tried-and-tested 155mm L52 gun; high mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a well-protected cabin; and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite to the solution.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/lIi25rQtOrY
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
