The End of an Era? US Army Signals Shift Away from Towed Artillery

The US Army appears to be charting a new course for its artillery forces, with a growing emphasis on mobility and automation.

General James Rainey, head of Army Futures Command, made waves at an Association of the US Army (AUSA) symposium last Wednesday, March 27, suggesting that towed artillery systems have reached their peak effectiveness.

This statement signals a potential paradigm shift, prioritizing faster-deploying and potentially crewless options.

The Drawbacks of Towed Artillery

Traditionally, the US Army has relied on a mix of towed and self-propelled artillery. Towed systems, like the M119A3 howitzer, offer advantages in terms of cost and transportability.

But here’s the skinny: towed artillery, while easy on the pocket and a breeze to ship out, comes with a hitch.

You’re sitting ducks every time you set up or pack these behemoths.

This “displacement time,” as the brass calls it, is a killer in the high-stakes poker game of modern warfare, especially if you’re staring down the barrel at a near-peer heavyweight.

Speed and ghost-like agility are king, leaving the slow and the ponderous eating dust.

General Rainey further hinted at the limitations of towed artillery in high-intensity conflicts.

“I personally believe that we have witnessed the end of the effectiveness of towed artillery: The future is not bright for towed artillery,” Rainey spoke at last Wednesday’s AUSA Global Force symposium.

While not explicitly stated, the implication is clear – towed systems might not be suitable for a potential confrontation with a near-peer adversary like China.

The extended setup and vulnerability during relocation could prove costly in such a scenario.

The Rise of Mobile and Autonomous Solutions

The recent cancellation of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program further underscores the Army’s evolving priorities.

The ERCA aimed to develop a long-range towed howitzer, but its cancellation suggests the service is looking beyond simply extending the range of existing towed systems.

ERCA (Extended Range Cannon Artillery) is a requirement, not a program. -General Rainey, US Army Futures Command, at #AUSAGLOBAL

So, not actually dead yet? 🤔

He also said the future of towed artillery doesn't look good. Big yikes, not sure that's the right lesson from Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/UjaRebYPif

— Colby Badhwar 🇨🇦🇬🇧 (@ColbyBadhwar) March 27, 2024

General Rainey’s painting a picture of tomorrow’s battlefield, where self-propelled artillery zips around, laying down the law without so much as a by-your-leave, and robotic cannon lays down fire while our boys stay clear of the danger zone.

The Challenge of Resource Constraints

But here’s the rub: all this shiny new tech comes with a price tag that’ll make your eyes water.

General Rainey’s not living in a dream world; he knows the purse strings are tight.

He’s talking about playing it smart, proposing a “holistic approach” that prioritizes efficiency and maximizes capabilities within budgetary limitations.

The Urgency of Modernization

The call for swift transformation isn’t new for the US Army, but the drumbeat of modernization has become louder and faster in recent years.

General Rainey and other officials recognize the need to adapt quickly to an ever-changing global security landscape.

Potential adversaries are constantly innovating, and the Army needs to stay ahead of the curve.

This sense of urgency is fueled by the reality that soldiers don’t get to choose when they are deployed.

The ability to rapidly mobilize and engage effectively is critical to ensure their success on the battlefield.

The Road Ahead for Towed Artillery

The shift away from towed artillery marks a significant development in US Army modernization.

While towed systems will likely remain in service for some time, the focus is clearly on developing a more agile and autonomous artillery force.

The success of this transformation will depend on the Army’s ability to navigate resource constraints and prioritize investments in new technologies.

The coming years will be crucial in determining the shape of the US Army’s future artillery capabilities.

Whether through advancements in self-propelled systems or the successful integration of robotic solutions, one thing is clear: mobility and automation are poised to play a defining role in ensuring the continued effectiveness of the US Army’s artillery arm.