The Brazilian Army, through its Logistics Command (COLOG), has revealed the contenders for its Wheeled Self-Propelled Artillery Vehicle (WSPA) project. This announcement highlights the candidates that meet the detailed criteria specified in the project’s tender. The models still in contention include China’s SH15, Irael’s ATMOS, France’s CAESAR, and the Czech Zuzana 2.
The technical specifications required for future WSPAs include a 155 mm NATO-standard howitzer as the primary armament, capable of firing both standard and specialized ammunition. The artillery piece must have a minimum barrel length of 52 calibers and a service life of less than 2,000 shots at maximum charge, with a firing range exceeding 500 kilometers. Furthermore, the system must enable precision strikes with a deviation of less than 80 meters for standard munitions and less than 120 meters for assisted projectiles at distances of 20 kilometers and 30 kilometers respectively. These vehicles must also be capable of storing and transporting at least 16 full charges.
One of the key requirements for these artillery vehicles is their ability to rapidly deploy and retract. The WSPA must be ready to aim and fire within three minutes of positioning and leave its position in less than two minutes after firing. The inclusion of a semi-automatic loading mechanism and the ability to maintain a firing rate of at least four shots per minute are also required.
The preselection highlights four notable models from various international manufacturers. North Industries Corporation (Norinco) offers its SH15 6×6, running on a Shaanxi 6×6 chassis and equipped with a 155 mm AH-2 155 mm/L52 howitzer. This model is capable of using NATO standard 155 mm ammunition and Norinco-developed munitions, offering a maximum range of up to 53 kilometers with rocket-assisted V-LAP ammunition. Since its introduction in 2017, the SH15 has been integrated into the Chinese army and exported to Ethiopia and Pakistan.