The AGM Artillery Gun Module artillery system will be procured on the Piranha IV carrier platform from Swiss manufacturer GDELS-Mowag. Armasuisse said the contract marks a further decisive milestone in the Artillery weapons platform and ammunition 2026 project, which was presented as part of the Armed Forces Dispatch 2025.
Switzerland will procure one prototype and 32 series systems. The contract also covers resources for ammunition logistics, training and simulation systems, spare parts, documentation and tools.
An initial range of modern projectiles, detonators and ammunition will also be purchased under the project. Armasuisse said these will improve target effect compared with current ammunition and enable a greater range of artillery fire.
A prototype in the final configuration for the Swiss Armed Forces is expected to be completed in 2027. It is due to undergo qualification in 2028, while the series systems are to be delivered to the Swiss Armed Forces from 2031.
The artillery replacement is intended to improve effects against ground targets and strengthen Switzerland’s defence capability. Armasuisse said the current M109-based artillery system is nearing the end of its useful life.
Through the Artillery weapons platform and ammunition project, the Armed Forces are adapting the capability to current technological and operational requirements. Compared with the existing system, the new artillery system is intended to be more mobile, better protected and able to increase impact distance and precision.
Armasuisse said the system will deliver faster and wider effects, change position quickly and operate on a networked basis. Modern sensor analysis, digital command and control and automated processes are intended to increase response capacity, protection and operational effect.
The new artillery system was evaluated in several stages. After the shortlist decision in August 2022, mobility trials took place in Switzerland, while field trials and logistical investigations were conducted abroad.
The AGM system on Piranha IV was selected in November 2024. Armasuisse said the procurement also supports the Federal Council’s Armament Policy Strategy of 20 June 2025.
That strategy envisages strengthening cooperation with suppliers from neighbouring states and other European countries. By selecting the Piranha IV carrier platform from Swiss manufacturer GDELS-Mowag, part of the added value will be generated in Switzerland.
Armasuisse said the procurement combines security and armament policy cooperation in Europe with the reinforcement of industrial core capabilities and capacities in Switzerland. It said Art WPWM will provide Switzerland with a modern artillery system that strengthens the defence capability of the Swiss Armed Forces and encourages cooperation with European partner states.
