It wants the howitzers to replace its aging M109A2 and M109A5s, M110A2 8-inch self-propelled howitzers and 155mm M114 towed howitzers. Delight that the generals have finally decided to retire aging artillery pieces that have been in service for 20 to 50 years; concern because tracked, self-propelled artillery — which Paladin howitzers are — are comparatively expensive. Given this, generals should not overlook wheeled self-propelled artillery for the army’s infantry and mechanized artillery divisions. Many years ago, the army considered buying South African-produced G5 wheeled howitzers, which have twice the effective range of its M109A3/A5s and M114s. A US Defense Security Cooperation Agency report details how last year Saudi Arabia upgraded to Paladin howitzers at a cost of US$1.3 billion.

Source: Taipei Times July 21, 2019 16:07 UTC