Christian Budde
KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Krauss-Maffei-Str. 11
D-80997 München
Tel.: +49 89 8140-5498
Fax: +49 89 8140-4977
E-Mail: knds-pressservice (at) knds.de
KNDS Deutschland and GDELS introduce AGM on PIRANHA HMC
21.05.2024On the occasion of this year's Future Artillery Conference in Paris, KNDS Deutschland and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) are presenting AGM on Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier. The jointly developed solution combines the fully automated, unmanned 155 mm (cal. 52) artillery gun module (AGM) from KNDS Deutschland with the recently introduced PIRANHA HMC from GDELS.
With a gross vehicle weight of up to 40t and a turning circle of less than 18m, thanks to the four-axle steering, AGM on PIRANHA HMC combines outstanding tactical mobility with superior artillery firepower. AGM on PIRANHA HMC can be operated by a crew of two people without any constraints. The vehicle offers sufficient space for an optional third crew member (2+1), or alternatively for additional storage space. The effective azimuth of the AGM integrated on the PIRANHA is 360° and can be fired on the move. Thanks to its robust 10x10 multi-link chassis, no vertical prop-ups are required for firing, as is the case with other conventional wheeled howitzers. The AGM offers comprehensive autonomy of the entire system in command, navigation, and fire control as well as completely new operational options thanks to its system- related stability. The decisive factor in reducing the workload for the crew is the consistent use of system-supported intelligence in conjunction with robotics. The special "Shoot & Scoot" and MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) capability as well as indirect and direct targeting against moving land and sea targets underline the system's outstanding artillery capabilities.
With the new wheeled howitzer, two leading European system houses are continuing their cooperation that began with the DONAR artillery system on the tracked platform of the ASCOD IFV family. KNDS also offers the AGM on the 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle BOXER, which makes it highly suitable for multinational use. With the same artillery module on the two leading wheeled armored vehicle families of the Western world, both indirect fire support capabilities and interoperability within NATO signify a major capability enhancement. The collaboration between German-French KNDS and the European business unit of US-headquartered General Dynamics Corporation also strengthens transatlantic cooperation.
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KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of around 9,500 employees, with a 2023 turnover of 3.3 billion euro, an order backlog of around 16 billion euro and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The alliance of KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, KNDS offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.