Army plans 2026 demonstration for artillery modernization strategy

The U.S. Army is set to hold a demonstration for artillery systems in January 2026. This event will help shape the Army's strategy for future artillery formations. The Army is looking for mobile, long-range artillery capabilities after canceling a previous cannon project. In 2021, the Army tested self-propelled howitzers at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. They have since decided to focus on the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) but later canceled this program. Recognizing the need for long-range artillery, the Army allowed industry partners to showcase available systems in Germany, South Korea, Sweden, and Israel. For the upcoming demonstration, each participating team will receive about $5 million for a nine-month evaluation of their systems. The Army aims to assess not only the range and mobility of artillery but also the rate of fire and resupply capabilities. Industry representatives are keen to demonstrate new technologies that have emerged over the past few years. The significance of artillery is underscored by its role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Army recognizes that artillery is crucial for maneuvering forces and plans to consider various systems, including those with advanced capabilities. By expanding the evaluation criteria, the Army hopes to modernize its artillery effectively. Companies like BAE Systems and Elbit Systems will bring their systems to the demonstration. New competitors, such as General Dynamics and Rheinmetall, are also expected to participate. The Army will select teams for the event in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Overall, the demonstration aims to refine the Army’s approach to artillery modernization and ensure they have the necessary capabilities for future conflicts.