Exclusive Content

We took a look at the new technologies that are increasing the U.S. Army's fires capabilities. The Army is currently investing in many new solutions to increase lethality, accuracy and mobility. The 2019 Army ammunition budget allocates more than $376 million toward the purchase of high-explosive and Excalibur rounds, which have been fired more frequently in the fight against the Islamic State than in the previous 40 years.

This eBook covers:

• The Army's Tactical Missile System
• Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS)
• Long-Range Precision Fires
• M1156 Precision Guidance Kits
• M776 Full-Bore Chrome Tubes
• M982 Excalibur Satellite-Guided Heavy Artillery Shells
• Next-Generation Laser-Guided 120MM Mortar System

In November of 2017, the U.S. Army released Directive 2017-33 which established the creation of the Army Futures Command Task Force and outlined six top modernization priorities. At the top of the list? Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF). Dubbed “the king of battle,” the LRPF family of technologies is expected to replace the Army Tactical Missile System by 2023 and, according to the U.S. Army will be used to “attack, neutralize, suppress and destroy targets using missile-delivered indirect precision fires. LRPF provides field artillery units with long-range and deep-strike capability while supporting brigade, division, corps, Army, theater, Joint and Coalition forces and Marine Corps air-to-ground task forces in full, limited or expeditionary operations. LRPF will provide the warfighter with an all-weather, 24/7, precision surface-to-surface deep-strike capability.” The major goals of this program include:

• Develop long-range precision fires that ultimately can exceed 10,000 nautical miles
• Increasing the accuracy and range of Precision Strike Munition to 499 kilometers
• Increasing the rate of fire from one to two missiles per pod
• Improved energetics, increased efficiency and lower cost per missile
• The creation of smart, fast interconnected weapons
• Lower cost per missile

In 2020 the Army wants to spend $1.3 billion improving its howitzers and rocket launchers and developing new, longer-range munitions. However, though LRPF remains a top military modernization priority, the program has undergone a number of changes over the past few years in response to shifting geopolitics and prerogatives. In this article, we explore the top priorities, recent developments and the future of the LRPF program.

This interview with Colonel Leon Rogers delves into the objectives and challenges facing the Joint Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition. The piece is an opportunity for the community to understand where the office was, where it is now, and where it is going. Most importantly, it highlights what the PM is looking for and what conversations you should bring to the table at the Future Indirect Fires Summit in Austin on March 5-6. Join us at the event to hear how COL Rogers and other indirect fires and artillery leaders are responding to the geopolitical security challenges facing the US and her allies today.

The war in Ukraine continues to provide valuable insight into modern warfare. Artillery has played a deciding factor in many battles from the war’s onset, and as result of it uses, in both success and failures, there is much to learn. Dr. James Bosbotinis delves deeply into the latest analysis of the use of artillery throughout the war and synthesis the main lessons.