The Latvian Ministry of Defence (Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzibas Ministrija) has introduced the supply of six M109A5Oe self-propelled howitzers and associated ammunition to strengthen the Ukrainian forces. Latvia is a part of the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group. Latvia has dedicated over €200m within the type of uncrewed aerial autos, dry meals rations, ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to assist the Ukrainians fight Russian forces. This week, Latvia additionally introduced the supply of two Mi-17 and two Mi-2 helicopters to Ukraine. Six extra M109 howitzers which have not too long ago arrived in Ukraine from Latvia are already exhibiting outcomes on the battlefield.
The M109 is an American 155 mm turreted self-propelled howitzer, first launched within the early Sixties to switch the M44. The M109 was developed by the Floor System Division of United Protection LP (now BAE Programs Land and Armaments).It has been upgraded a lot of occasions, most not too long ago to the M109A7. The M109 household is the commonest Western indirect-fire assist weapon of maneuver brigades of armored and mechanized infantry divisions. The M109 has a crew of 4: the part chief/commander, the driving force, the gunner, and the ammunition handler/loader. The chief or gunner goals the cannon left or proper (deflection) and up and down (quadrant).
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The M109A5Oe is an upgraded model of the sooner A2/A3 combos with a 39-caliber barrel. Early in 1995, via the US Military Armament and Chemical Acquisition and Logistics Exercise at Rock Island, Austria awarded United Protection LP a contract price US$48.6 million for the provision of 54 155 mm M109A50e self-propelled howitzers for the Austrian Military. The Austrian M109A5 has a lot of distinctive options that differ from the usual American M109A5, together with an Austrian semi-automatic flick rammer, inertial constructive navigation system, Swiss electrical system and the identical 155 mm ordnance as used on the M109A6 Paladin presently in service with the US Military.
In April 2017, a bilateral settlement was signed between the Latvian and Austrian Ministries of Protection on the acquisition of M109A5Oe self-propelled techniques, together with the acquisition of fireside management and coaching platforms. With a view to enhance the flexibility of the Latvian Armed Forces to assist oblique hearth, in addition to enhance Latvia’s skill to completely combine into NATO operations and coaching, 47 navy items had been bought from Austria. The fee per unit, relying on its modification (howitzer, hearth management or coaching platform), varies between € 60,000 and € 140,000.
