Israel commits 600 million shekels to new artillery training base
A 15-year pact with Elbit Systems will build infrastructure for the Ro'em howitzer, reducing crew size from eight to three.
By Zoe Harrison ·
The Israeli Defense Ministry and the Israel Defense Forces signed a 15-year contract on Sunday worth approximately 600 million new Israeli shekels. The deal with Elbit Systems establishes a dedicated training facility for the Artillery Corps. The project supports two new weapon systems: the Ro'em self-propelled howitzer and the Lahav rocket launcher.
The agreement covers the development of advanced technological infrastructure for training. It also includes services for instruction, maintenance, and logistics. This contract follows a separate 235 million dollar deal announced on October 19. That previous contract involved supplying PULS rocket launchers and EXTRA-MR rockets to an unnamed European client.
The Ro'em, known internationally as the SIGMA 155, is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer mounted on a 10x10 truck chassis. The ministry decided to procure the system in 2017, and development started in 2019. In 2021, officials confirmed the vehicle would enter service under the Ro'em name. The first unit declared the system operational in late 2025 after extensive testing in various environments.
The new howitzer reduces the required crew to three soldiers: a commander, a gunner, and a driver. This is a drop from the eight crew members needed for the older US-made M109 Doher. The Ro'em fires six to eight shells per minute, more than double the rate of its predecessor. It can launch a first shell within 60 seconds of stopping. Tests showed an accuracy deviation of approximately 0.7%.
Zeev Landau, deputy director-general of the Defense Ministry, stated the agreement supports operational readiness and local industry. Boaz Cohen, general manager of Elbit’s Land Division, said the new training framework will keep the corps at high readiness levels. Elbit also announced plans in October for a new production facility in Sweden.
Elbit markets the Ro'em internationally. Singapore, Denmark, Thailand, and the Philippines have purchased versions of the system. The company is also expanding into maritime defense. On October 20, Elbit acquired International Submarine Engineering, a Canadian underwater drone manufacturer. The system is designed to meet IDF requirements for at least the next 50 years.
Thailand continues to buy Israeli defense technology. In October, IWI delivered its ARBEL anti-drone system to Thailand. This purchase is part of a wider modernization plan that includes artillery acquisitions.
