This is the winner.

The Federal Office for Armaments armasuisse has completed the evaluation for a new artillery system and made a selection. It is planned to request the procurement of the AGM Artillery Gun Module system on Piranha IV from KNDS Deutschland to Parliament with the Army Message 2025.

The currently used artillery system with the M109 self-propelled howitzer will reach the end of its service life in the coming years. In order to ensure the maintenance and further development of the indirect fire capability at medium distances with increased range, precision, and mobility, the Army has initiated the project "Artillery Effects Platform and Effects Means" (WPWM). With the signing of the project order in 2019, project leadership was transferred to the Federal Office for Armaments. armasuisse has been tasked with evaluating a corresponding system based on a wheeled vehicle. The project scope includes, among others:
•    A wheeled effects platform for indirect fire support at medium range
•    Integration of communication, command and control, and fire control systems of the Swiss Army
•    Training and simulation systems
•    Logistics equipment for the effects platform and effects means as well as
•    an initial stockpile of ammunition

From pre-evaluation to shortlist

Based on the military requirements, armasuisse invited several manufacturers to submit their documents. The project team with experts from armasuisse and the Army analyzed and evaluated the materials received. For the subsequent evaluation in 2022, the systems of two manufacturers were selected:
•    BAE Systems Bofors AB, Sweden, Archer Mobile Howitzer
•    KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, RCH 155 AGM Artillery Gun Module with two possible carrier platforms (Boxer/Piranha)

Evaluation of the shortlist systems
Subsequently, the testing concept and cost-effectiveness analysis were developed. Planning for the evaluation phase and practical tests was done in collaboration with the industry and the involved Army units (Army Logistics Base, Training Command, and Operations Command) as well as armasuisse. Various practical investigations and tests took place from January 2023 to June 2024, including:
•    Logistical investigations
•    Technical tests of the main weapon abroad and mobility on Swiss roads and terrain
•    Troop trials with professional soldiers and militia members of the Swiss Army as well as
•    various visits and live firings with foreign armies or procurement authorities.

Selection: AGM Artillery Gun Module system on Piranha IV convinces with most advantageous offer

After detailed evaluation of the tests, investigations, and offers, the selection was made for the AGM Artillery Gun Module system on Piranha IV from KNDS Deutschland. Taking into account the received offers and the evaluation of numerous aspects in the areas of tactics, technology, logistics, commerce, quality, and sustainability, the chosen system corresponds to the most advantageous offer.

Following the selection, the project team will carry out work on the integration of communication and command and control systems. At the same time, contributions for the Army Message 2025 will be prepared.

Current M109 self-propelled howitzer in operation for over 50 years

The currently deployed M109 self-propelled howitzers (official designation: 15.5 cm Self-Propelled Howitzer M109 KAWEST WE) were procured in multiple tranches starting in 1968 and have since formed the backbone of the motorized artillery of the Swiss Army. Throughout its service life, the system has been adapted for use multiple times. The M109 self-propelled howitzer underwent a capability enhancement (KAWEST) in 1995 and a life extension program (WE) in 2012. The latest measures are currently being implemented with a further extension of use (NUV) in 2021 with the intention to operate the system until it is replaced by the AGM Artillery Gun Module on Piranha IV.