Paladin
PALADIN INTEGRATED
MANAGEMENT (PIM) –
M109A7 (MOD)
The Paladin Improvement
Programme (PIM), now
designated the M109A7, builds
on the advances made in the
M109A6 upgrade and integrates
components of the Bradley,
the cancelled Future Combat
Systems, and the current M109
fleet onto a new chassis.
The M109A7 family of
vehicles consists of two
individual vehicles, a tracked
self-propelled howitzer and a
carrier ammunition tracked that
provides operational support.
The M109A7 provides improved
sustainability through a newly
designed hull; modified M2
Bradley infantry fighting vehicle
power train, suspension system,
and track; and a modernised
electrical system, which replaced
the existing hydraulic gun and
turret drive systems to all-electric
systems.
The programme allows for
heavier armour packages and
future upgrades.
Some analysts point out that
a global conflict could
occur as early as 2022/23 , and the
additional planning should take this
into account. SA Artillery