Saudi Arabia Unveils New SAMI 8x8 155mm Howitzer
The Saudi defense industry aims to rival European-made wheeled howitzers, such as the French CEASAR and the German RCH 155
Eyal Boguslavsky
| 11/02/2024
Photo: SAMI Twitter account
New Saudi Arabian Howitzer unveiled. The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) presented an 8x8 155mm self-propelled howitzer at the World Defense Show 2024 that took place at Riad last week.
While the name of the new self-propelled howitzer remains under wraps, SAMI's representatives have disclosed that the vehicle is currently undergoing rigorous trials with the Saudi Armed Forces. Armyrecognition.com website tells that the Saudi Army and the National Guard, both integral components of the Saudi Armed Forces, currently operate the French-manufactured CAESAR, a 155mm 6x6 self-propelled howitzer. The CAESAR models serving the Saudi forces are mounted on two different chassis: a 6x6 Sherpa truck for the army and a Unimog chassis for the National Guard.
According to SAMI, the 8x8 155mm howitzer, represents a significant leap forward for the Saudi defense industry, aiming to rival European-made wheeled howitzers, such as French CAESAR and the German RCH 155, with a product entirely designed and developed within the Kingdom. Based on a Czech TATRA 8x8 truck chassis, the new howitzer features a crew armor cab at the front and a 155mm cannon at the rear, equipped with a semi-automatic loading system and storage for charge and rounds.
The howitzer incorporates a sophisticated computerized fire control system, enabling precision targeting and firing operations both inside and outside the crew cab. Notably, the vehicle is armed with a variety of ammunition, including standard 155mm rounds, GPS-guided shells, and a locally produced version of the American M982 Excalibur —a precision-guided munition designed for close support scenarios and minimizing collateral damage in civilian proximity engagements.
The Saudi defense industry aims to rival European-made wheeled howitzers, such as the French CEASAR and the German RCH 155
Photo: SAMI Twitter account
New Saudi Arabian Howitzer unveiled. The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) presented an 8x8 155mm self-propelled howitzer at the World Defense Show 2024 that took place at Riad last week.
While the name of the new self-propelled howitzer remains under wraps, SAMI's representatives have disclosed that the vehicle is currently undergoing rigorous trials with the Saudi Armed Forces. Armyrecognition.com website tells that the Saudi Army and the National Guard, both integral components of the Saudi Armed Forces, currently operate the French-manufactured CAESAR, a 155mm 6x6 self-propelled howitzer. The CAESAR models serving the Saudi forces are mounted on two different chassis: a 6x6 Sherpa truck for the army and a Unimog chassis for the National Guard.
According to SAMI, the 8x8 155mm howitzer, represents a significant leap forward for the Saudi defense industry, aiming to rival European-made wheeled howitzers, such as French CAESAR and the German RCH 155, with a product entirely designed and developed within the Kingdom. Based on a Czech TATRA 8x8 truck chassis, the new howitzer features a crew armor cab at the front and a 155mm cannon at the rear, equipped with a semi-automatic loading system and storage for charge and rounds.
The howitzer incorporates a sophisticated computerized fire control system, enabling precision targeting and firing operations both inside and outside the crew cab. Notably, the vehicle is armed with a variety of ammunition, including standard 155mm rounds, GPS-guided shells, and a locally produced version of the American M982 Excalibur —a precision-guided munition designed for close support scenarios and minimizing collateral damage in civilian proximity engagements.
