Wheeled Howitzers: Why Mobility Outpaces Tracked Might in Modern Warfare?
In short: The debate between tracked and wheeled artillery platforms is far from settled. While traditional doctrine favored tracked systems, modern battlefield requirements are pushing innovation toward greater strategic mobility. Discover how advanced wheeled self-propelled guns are reshaping military procurement decisions globally.
ATMOS, a 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled gun system from Soltam Systems, exemplifies this trend. It is designed as a long-ranged, fast-moving, truck-mounted gun capable of operation across all terrains. The system is integrated with a computerized control system for accurate navigation and target acquisition. Its core components include a 155 mm/52 calibre ordnance conforming to NATO JBMoU, mounted on a 6 × 6 cross-country truck chassis. Operationally, it can achieve a maximum range of 41 km (25 mi) using an Extended Range Full-Bore - Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile, or 30 km (19 mi) with the NATO L15 High Explosive (HE) projectile. The system can sustain a rate of fire between 4 and 9 rounds per minute, carrying a total of 27 projectiles.
The appeal of wheeled systems is rooted in logistical and operational advantages. Wheeled self-propelled guns are generally noted to be less expensive to acquire than their tracked counterparts, boast lower life cycle costs, and are easier to maintain. Furthermore, they offer superior strategic mobility, eliminating the reliance on Heavy Equipment Transporters (HETs). This inherent flexibility has drawn interest from various international militaries.
ATMOS itself was initially developed as a private venture, targeting export markets, though it was demonstrated to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Its international adoption is evident through several contracts and deployments. For instance, the Philippine Army has 12 systems, with 12 more on order. The Royal Thai Army operates 24 systems, plus 6 on order, while the Royal Thai Marine Corps has 6 systems plus 6 on order. More recently, the Brazilian Army selected the system in April 2024 for 36 units, and Morocco chose 36 units following technical issues with French CAESAR systems. The system's adaptability is also seen in regional variants, such as the M758 ATMG used by Thailand.
While the US Army conducted
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- Summary by Intellect · source: ATMOS 2000
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