Israeli automated howitzer SIGMA could soon see action in war with Hezbollah
New gun will be able to fire 8 shells per minute, double of the current artillery
As the Hamas terrorist organization's military capabilities in Gaza have been significantly diminished since the IDF began its ground campaign last October, Israel’s focus increasingly shifts to the northern threat, where Iran's Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah is posing an ever-growing security risk.
The Israeli defense company, Elbit Systems, is now in the final stages of developing the SIGMA, the world’s fully automated howitzer, which is set to replace the Israeli military’s older artillery units and could soon be put into action against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.
In July, Elbit Systems unveiled the futuristic artillery piece – known in Hebrew as Roem – describing the high-tech weapon as “the first cannon in the world capable of automatic firing.”
Development of the cutting-edge howitzer began five years ago and it is reportedly capable of firing a remarkable eight shells per minute, or double the capacity of the current artillery.
IDF Maj. Nati from the Artillery Corps praised the next-generation howitzer.
"We’re seeing remarkable test results, with exceptional accuracy," Nati assessed. "We’re finalizing operational doctrine for the SIGMA, which will revolutionize the IDF’s artillery capabilities. There’s no other fully automated howitzer like it in the world," the IDF officer added.
The threat from Hezbollah against northern Israel continued over the weekend, as Hezbollah unleashed a barrage of some 50 rockets.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, who recently visited Israel’s northern border on the Golan Heights, warned Hezbollah that the IDF is preparing for potential offensive operations within Lebanon.
“The Northern Command, with all the capabilities of the IDF, is attacking many of Hezbollah’s capabilities inside Lebanon before they attack us, and at the same time, we are also preparing for offensive moves inside its territory,” Halevi said.
The SIGMA Howitzer is expected to play an important role in future IDF operations, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2025.
In addition to significant upgrades in firing capabilities, Elbit's automated howitzer will also reduce the need for manpower. The older M109 howitzer currently requires a crew of eight soldiers, whereas the SIGMA howitzer will only need a three-person crew consisting of a mission commander, gunner, and driver.
The SIGMA, built with integrated AI technology, underwent various tests including a 10,000-kilometer (over 6,200-mile) trial in the harsh climate of the Nevada Desert.
The technology allows the artillery to fire within 60 seconds and with an impressive accuracy deviation of just 0.7%.
Elbit senior engineer Roni Flex recalled the initial challenges of developing the SIGMA's special barrels.
"It took two and a half months to produce the first barrel, but now we can manufacture one in 10 days," Flex said. Israel Defense Forces are expected to use the SIGMA howitzer for the next 50 years, however, the older howitzer units will still be available for reserve troops.
Despite its tiny size, Israel has become a global player in the development of cutting-edge military equipment. Israel’s significant battle experience has played a critical role in advancing new technological security solutions to various threats.
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The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
