On November 5, 2024, Switzerland took a decisive step toward modernizing its artillery capabilities by selecting a new system. Armasuisse, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement, concluded its evaluation and now recommends acquiring the AGM (Artillery Gun Module) mounted on the Piranha IV vehicle from Germany’s KNDS. This funding request will be presented to Parliament as part of the 2025 Army Message to initiate the replacement process.
The AGM system on KNDS’s Piranha IV was selected as the most favorable option, fulfilling Armasuisse’s tactical, technical, logistical, economic, and sustainability requirements.
The AGM, integrated with the Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC), represents a significant advancement in modern artillery by combining mobility and firepower. Developed jointly by KNDS Deutschland and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), this system is defined by its fully automated, crewless 155mm (caliber 52) artillery piece mounted on the Piranha HMC. Weighing 40 tons and boasting a turning radius of less than 18 meters thanks to its four-axle steering, the system provides exceptional tactical mobility. The Piranha HMC’s 10×10 multi-link chassis platform allows it to fire on the move without deploying stabilizing supports—an uncommon capability among wheeled self-propelled artillery systems. The vehicle is operable by a two-person crew, with an option to add a third member or additional storage.
The AGM module offers advanced capabilities, including 360º firing, “Shoot & Scoot” functionality, and MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact), enabling simultaneous strikes on multiple targets. With its ability for both direct and indirect fire and its capacity to engage moving targets on land and sea, the AGM on Piranha HMC is a versatile and resilient solution. Its command, navigation, and fire control systems operate autonomously, reducing crew workload through integrated robotic intelligence. The AGM module is also compatible with the 8×8 Boxer vehicle, enhancing NATO interoperability and facilitating cooperation among member forces.