- Yes
- No
Introduction
At AUSA 2026 on the 12th of October, the U.S. Army and Hanwha Defense USA unveiled the XM1776 MTC self-propelled howitzer, which is set to replace the M777 howitzer. This program has been named Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization (SPH-M). This program began to replace the M109 but has since shifted in focus and has been split into two different programs under the same program. One is to replace towed howitzers (MTC), while the other is to replace tracked howitzers (MTC-T). Several other options have been evaluated and tested, including the Czechoslovak Group’s (CSG) Morana SPH and Elbit’s SIGMA NG MTC. The Morana was demonstrated only to a delegation in Czechia, while the U.S. Army has one example of the SIGMA NG MTC in its inventory for testing.
The XM1776 is the U.S. Army’s version of the K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH), which is a derivative of the tracked K9 Thunder SPH. A wheeled howitzer is being chosen because it offers great mobility, which will allow the vehicles to get into position, fire, and relocate quickly. This is something that is currently not possible with the U.S. Army’s M777 towed howitzer. A total of 9 units have been ordered for testing, with one prototype already delivered, which is the one that has been shown at AUSA 2026.
History
Since the 1960s, the M109 has been the U.S. Army’s main tracked howitzer for decades and has been upgraded numerous times. Replacement of the system has been underway since the 1990s, with the XM2001 Crusader set to be the replacement until the project was cancelled in 2002, as then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said that the Army would not face an enemy that required them to have the XM2001 Crusader. Another project that began in the 90s was the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C), but this was also cancelled in 2009. A third attempt would be made with the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program. The program would use the M109, but it would now have an extended range up to 70 km. However, under testing, it was noted that there was excessive wear on the inside of the barrel after a relatively low number of shells were fired. The program was initiated in 2018 but cancelled in 2024. Because of the issues experienced during the firing trials of the ERCA, it was decided in 2023 to do a conventional fires study, and this was concluded in 2024. Under this study, it was decided that “…the service should focus on more autonomous artillery systems with greater range and improved mobility.” This new program would initially be named the Next Generation Howitzer (NGH) Program and would be the fourth attempt at replacing the M109 platform.
Next Generation Howitzer (NGH) Program was set to give the U.S. Army a mobile howitzer that could be used against both small and large threats in the 2040s and beyond. The new system shall reduce the time it takes to set up, fire, and relocate while also improving survivability, mobility, and affordability compared to towed artillery currently in use. In mid October of 2024, five firms would be awarded contracts for the demonstration of already existing self-propelled howitzer systems instead of developing a whole new system like the last few programs tried to do. The companies that got the contract are American Rheinmetall Vehicles, BAE BOFORS, Hanwha Defense USA, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Elbit Systems USA. Demonstrations were to begin in 2024 and continue into 2025, but in 2025, the focus shifted from just replacing the M109 to replacing it and the towed M777 howitzer. This is also due to some lessons learned from the deployment and usage of the M777 in Ukraine. The program changed its name under this shift in focus as well, to Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization, and that was split into two sub-programs. One is for the procurement of a wheeled mobile howitzer to replace the M777, and the other program is for a tracked howitzer to replace the M109. Because of the program being split as well, some new companies would be offered the opportunity to demonstrate their wheeled self-propelled howitzers, such as CSG, which has demonstrated the Morana SPH.
The first K9MH before being tested in South Korea
The K9 Mobile Howitzer is a very new system in itself, as the development of this specific vehicle began in 2024, being derived from the K9 Thunder. The K9MH is built on the Czech company Tatra’s truck, the Tatra 815-7. This truck is more commonly called the Tatra Force 8x8; the specific one used here is the 3rd generation with the armored cab. The K9MH’s development began when the interest in a wheeled self-propelled howitzer for the U.S. Army became a hot priority. The vehicle was designed to cater to the Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization program. The system uses the CN98 155 mm L/52 cannon in a new turret specifically made for the K9MH. It also has a fully automated artillery module derived from the K9A2. Because of this, the turret is uncrewed, and all of the crew is situated inside the armored cab. After the first K9Mh was produced, it would be tested in South Korea before any deliveries were made to the U.S. Army. As of August of 2026, the U.S. Army had selected the K9MH to be tested, and an order of six units would be placed, with an additional 12 possibly being ordered in the future. The delivery of the first unit was made in October 2026, and the unveiling was held at AUSA 2026. At the unveiling, Hanwha came forward and revealed that the order had now been changed to procure nine vehicles instead of the initial six, with the additional order of 12 being cancelled. But it also got its official designation at unveiling: XM1776 Mobile Tactical Cannon. Testing of the system will begin in the near future, and the decision of what system the army will procure is expected to be made around 2030.
If there’s anything I missed, let me know!
Specifications
Protection
Chassis
- Front: STANAG 4569
- Sides: STANAG 4569
- Rear: STANAG 4569
Turret
- Front: Unknown
- Sides: Unknown
- Rear: Unknown
- It is possible that the turret has similar protection to the turret of the K9 Thunder or later variants, but that is just an educated guess.
Crew
- Commander
- Gunner
- Digital sight of unknown type
- Driver
Armament
- CN98 155 mm L/52
- Velocity:
- Horizontal guidance: ±180°
- Vertical guidance: Unknown (possibly similar to K9 Thunder)
- Fully automatic loading system derived from the K9A2, capable of firing 8 to 9 rounds per minute.
- Amount of rounds: 40
- Compatible with standard 155 mm NATO ammunition such as M107 (HE)
Mobility
Engine
The exact engine is currently not known, but there are a few options, as it is speculated that an American engine is being used. The most likely option is probably the Cummins X15 in a configuration where it produces close to 600 hp or the Caterpillar C-15, which is also offered at 600 hp. But this is once again just an educated guess.
-
Cummins ISMe
- Displacement: 10.8 L
- 450 to 500 Hp
-
Cummins X15
- Displacement: 14.9 L
- 430 to 620 Hp
-
Caterpillar C-15
- Displacement: 15.2 L
- 600 Hp @ 1800 rpm
-
Tatra also offers Volvo engines to be integrated.
Transmission
- The exact type is currently unknown.
Speed
- Forward: 100 km/h
- Reverse: Unknown
Weight
- Close to 40 tons (estimated)
Power-to-weight
As many specifics are not known yet, we can not be certain of the power-to-weight ratio. But if the engine were at 600 hp like the SIGMA NG’s Caterpillar C-15, we would be looking at a power-to-weight ratio of 15 hp/ton.
Dimentions
- Length: Close to 12 m
- Width: 3.4 m
- Height: 2.73 m
Sources
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12772
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https://www.tatratrucks.com/tatra-force/
Cummins M-series engine - Wikipedia
Cummins X-series engine - Wikipedia
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