Image: Fabien Tremoulinas via Wikimedia Commons
Swiss federal procurement authority armasuisse has signed a contract with KNDS for the acquisition of 32 AGM wheeled howitzer systems mounted on the Piranha IV platform, marking the country’s largest artillery procurement in recent years.
As per a recent joint announcement, KNDS will serve as prime contractor on the deal, with GDELS-Mowag acting as subcontractor for the Piranha IV carrier vehicle. Deliveries to the Swiss Armed Forces are scheduled to begin in 2031. The contract also covers 32 newly developed ammunition loading containers, training equipment, and comprehensive logistical support.
KNDS Deutschland CEO Florian Hohenwarter commented: “With this contract, KNDS is implementing Switzerland’s largest artillery procurement project of recent years.” He added: “As a systems provider, we offer a comprehensive mission solution tailored to customer requirements, from system training and maintenance to logistical support and even ammunition storage.”
The system at the centre of the contract is the Artillery Gun Module (AGM), an automatic and remotely operated howitzer integrated onto the latest 10×10 variant of the Piranha IV. KNDS designates this configuration the DONAR 10×10. The modular design of the AGM supports integration across multiple carrier platforms, underpinning the company’s broader wheeled artillery strategy.
The AGM is the only artillery system in the world capable of conducting fire missions while on the move. Its robust 10×10 multi-link suspension eliminates the need for mechanical stabilisation during firing. The weapon features a full 360-degree firing arc and operates with a standard crew of two, with an optional third crew member or additional storage capacity available in a 2+1 layout.
The system supports “shoot and scoot” operations, allowing crews to fire and immediately reposition to reduce exposure to counter-battery fire. Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability enables a single system to place several rounds on target simultaneously. Both indirect and direct fire modes are available, including engagement of moving land and sea targets.
Full autonomy across command and control, navigation, and fire control makes the AGM well suited to the fast-tempo, distributed operations that characterise modern land warfare. These characteristics reflect NATO’s broader doctrinal shift toward greater tactical mobility and a reduced battlefield logistical footprint.
The Swiss procurement builds on the proven record of the AGM module, which KNDS already fields on the 8×8 BOXER armoured vehicle in the RCH 155 variant. That system is currently under contract with Germany, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Ukraine, giving KNDS a growing presence across wheeled tube artillery in NATO and partner-nation inventories.
Switzerland’s decision to procure the DONAR 10×10 reflects a wider European move toward wheeled, rapidly deployable artillery, as armies seek to replace ageing tracked systems with platforms offering greater strategic mobility and lower through-life costs.
Read more on KNDS’ website
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