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NST - Army's artillery firepower bolstered with 105mm guns

March 30, 2022 – Business
Nexter by Asia Pacific vice-president Amaury de Poncins (left) with its Malaysian country manager Hugo Perelstein explaining the functions of Nexter’s CAESAR® 155mm artillery gun (background) at the ‘Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 and National Security Conference Asia (NATSEC) 2022’ being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Dutamas. – NSTP/ ADRIAN DAVID

KUALA LUMPUR: The Army's firepower has been bolstered with the acquisition of 18 105mm LG1 Mk III light towed, artillery systems.

The 1,650kg and 30-calibre barrel guns' delivery was facilitated by French defence firm Nexter System through collaboration with its local partner Advanced Defence Systems (ADS).

An ADS spokesman said the guns, operational with the Army's 1st Royal Artillery Regiment, were assembled locally by ADS via a contract clinched in 2018.

The delivery package included 105mm high-explosive, base-bleed, extended-range ammunition which has a range of up to 17km.

"The first gun was delivered in early 2020, with the remaining 17 early last year. We hope to bolster the Army with more similar guns for another three artillery regiments.

"We are also now in negotiations to promote a joint collaboration to equip the Army with Nexter's CAESAR 155mm 52-calibre wheeled light self-propelled, howitzer gun systems," the spokesman said at the 'Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 and National Security Conference Asia (NATSEC) 2022' being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Dutamas.

It was reported that the new artillery guns are expected to replace the 100-odd Army's ageing Oto Melara Model 56 105mm pack-howitzers.

A CAESAR® 155mm self-propelled artillery system gun being fired during trials in Malaysia for the Army. — Courtesy Pic

The 105mm LG1 system is fully digitised and is designed for the rapid-reaction special forces.

Meanwhile, ADS signed a memorandum-of-understanding with Nexter System (Nexter) focusing on the collaboration to widen the scope of Nexter's CAESAR® 155mm artillery system.

ADS was represented by its business development director Lt Col (Rtd) Shane Chin, while Nexter by Asia Pacific vice-president Amaury de Poncins.

"This collaboration aims to enhance the innovation of artillery systems for the Malaysian Armed Forces by providing advanced services and technologies from Nexter's CAESAR® 155mm system, which has been planned for assembly at the ADS plant in Segamat, Johor.

"If ADS succeeds in the impending tender to supply the self-propelled Howitzer system for the Malaysian Armed Forces, it will culminate with a transfer of technology and an intensive economic development in Malaysia's artillery industry," said de Poncins.

He added that by having the CAESAR® 155mm locally assembled in Malaysia, the supply chain from the use of local products could be further improved.

The CAESAR® combines the high mobility of a truck with the power of a 155mm 52-calibre gun.

"It is the only long-range proven 52-calibre in the world with 70 per cent of the ammunition fired in combat missions in Iraq (above 18.000 rounds) in maximum charges, with great accuracy and crew safety performances.

"In addition, it demonstrates unrivalled mobility as the 18-tonne system is air transportable in a Lockheed C130 Hercules aeroplane and is adaptable to any road, with limited impact on supply," de Poncins said.

The operational use of CAESAR® has validated the concept of a manual resupply, facilitated by its ammunition lockers, a semi-automatic reloading system resistant to extreme weather conditions, and a crew of five people capable of remaining operational over time.

Highly modular, CAESAR® when installed on a 6x6 truck can be reinforced with an over-armour kit to enhance its ballistic and anti-improvised explosive device protection, which is fitted to CAESAR® MKII ordered by France this year.

"Moreover, in terms of mobility, CAESAR® can be integrated with any conventional carrier, depending on the user's needs.

"Thus, CAESAR® is capable of supporting all types of motorised, mechanised or armoured units including rapid deployment forces – regardless of conflict level, theatre of operation or nature of the forces involved," de Poncins said.

ADS and Nexter have been business partners for 12 years and the latest MOU is part of their continuous efforts to further grow the defence industry in Malaysia and Asia.

Issued by: EDRMAGAZINE.eu

Further information on EDRMAGAZINE.eu can be found at HERE