KNDS presents the Loras howitzer: record range of 60 km with conventional ammunition

At Eurosatory in Paris, KNDS - the Franco-German company that produces the Leopard tank and the Caesar howitzer - presented the new Loras artillery system, equipped with a 58-caliber long-barrel cannon, capable of reaching a range of 60 kilometers with conventional ammunition. This system significantly surpasses the capabilities of current NATO howitzers, which generally use 52-caliber cannons with a maximum range of approximately 40 kilometers.

Quick Answer

  • KNDS's new Loras howitzer reaches a range of 60 km with conventional ammunition
  • The system combines a German artillery module mounted on a Boxer chassis with a French cannon
  • Serial production is planned between 2032 and 2035
  • KNDS has developed a new combustion chamber to reduce barrel wear
  • The system is designed to use a complete family of conventional ammunition

A hybrid system with Franco-German technology

The Loras integrates the German Artillery Gun Module mounted on a Boxer chassis, in turn equipped with a French cannon. This hybrid design represents a point of innovation in the artillery sector, combining German experience in the development of armored chassis with French expertise in the production of advanced cannons. The prototype has already been successfully tested, and KNDS aims to start serial production between 2032 and 2035.

Advanced technology to mitigate barrel wear

One of the critical aspects in the development of long-range cannons is the problem of barrel wear. KNDS has addressed this challenge by developing a larger combustion chamber than the American ERCA system, which was abandoned in 2024 due to excessive barrel wear despite a limited number of shots fired. According to Pierre Septfons, artillery engineer at KNDS France, the new system features a "much smoother" pressure curve, which reduces wear and extends the useful life of the cannon.

The experience accumulated by European gunners in the development of 52-caliber cannons has provided a solid foundation for addressing the technical challenges related to increasing range. This know-how has been fundamental in designing the Loras, which not only extends the range but also maintains high operational reliability.

Automatic loading system and specialized ammunition

The Loras is equipped with an automatic loading system, although less mature than that of the Panzerhaubitze 2000. Operational reports from Ukraine have indicated that fully automated systems can have lower availability rates in combat conditions compared to simpler systems like the Caesar. However, the Loras's AGM system incorporates elements of the Panzerhaubitze, especially for loading shells, but with a completely new loading mechanism and updated electronics.

The cannon is produced in the KNDS France facilities in Bourges, and the cost of the 58-caliber cannon is "marginally higher" than that of a 52-caliber cannon. The system can use between one and eight modular propellant charges, compared to the six of the Caesar. With rocket-propelled or sliding ammunition, the Loras could reach distances of approximately 100 kilometers, although KNDS intends to initially focus on conventional ammunition.

Collaboration for the development of advanced ammunition

KNDS is developing a range of ammunition specifically for the 58-caliber cannon, including high-explosive, illuminating, and smoke shells, designed to fully exploit the potential of the system. However, the company is open to collaborations with other manufacturers for the development of more advanced ammunition, such as rocket-propelled ones. This collaborative approach could accelerate innovation and improve the operational capabilities of the system.

Strategic implications and future prospects

The Loras represents a significant step forward in the evolution of modern artillery, offering a unique combination of range, precision, and reliability. With serial production planned between 2032 and 2035, this system could become a key element in European armed forces, providing a strategic advantage in modern conflict scenarios.

At this point, KNDS's main goal is to complete the development of the system and associated ammunition, ensuring that the Loras can operate efficiently and reliably in real conditions. Collaboration with other ammunition manufacturers will be crucial to expanding the system's capabilities and keeping it at the forefront of artillery technology.

Impact on the global artillery market

The introduction of the Loras represents a direct challenge to American systems like the M109 Paladin, which mounts a 39-caliber cannon with a significantly lower range. This development could push the United States to re-evaluate its artillery modernization strategies, especially in light of the abandonment of the ERCA program. Europe could thus establish itself as a leader in the sector, offering technologically advanced solutions at a competitive cost.

Operational considerations and logistics

The decision to maintain an automatic loading system, while recognizing its operational limitations observed in Ukraine, reflects a compromise between efficiency and reliability. KNDS has chosen not to adopt fully automated solutions like those of the Panzerhaubitze 2000, opting instead for a new but simpler mechanism. This approach could improve the operational availability of the system in real combat conditions.

Another crucial aspect is logistics. The Loras requires a range of specific ammunition to fully exploit its range. The large-scale production of these ammunition will represent a challenge, especially considering the need to ensure continuous supplies in prolonged conflict scenarios. Collaboration with other manufacturers could mitigate this risk, distributing the responsibility for development and production.

Economic prospects and investments

KNDS is developing a range of ammunition specifically for the 58-caliber cannon, including high-explosive, illuminating, and smoke shells, designed to fully exploit the potential of the system. However, the company is open to collaborations with other manufacturers for the development of more advanced ammunition, such as rocket-propelled ones. This collaborative approach could accelerate innovation and improve the operational capabilities of the system.

Strategic implications and future prospects

The Loras represents a significant step forward in the evolution of modern artillery, offering a unique combination of range, precision, and reliability. With serial production planned between 2032 and 2035, this system could become a key element in European armed forces, providing a strategic advantage in modern conflict scenarios.

At this point, KNDS's main goal is to complete the development of the system and associated ammunition, ensuring that the Loras can operate efficiently and reliably in real conditions. Collaboration with other ammunition manufacturers will be crucial to expanding the system's capabilities and keeping it at the forefront of artillery technology.