Switzerland Procures 32 DONAR Wheeled Howitzers for Artillery Modernization
Switzerland signed a contract with KNDS and GDELS-Mowag on June 8, 2026, to procure 32 DONAR 10×10 wheeled howitzers (Artillery Gun Module on Piranha IV chassis) for its army. The billion-dollar deal, the country’s largest artillery investment in decades, includes ammunition containers, training, and logistics. Deliveries begin in 2031, replacing aging M109 howitzers. The system features fire-on-the-move, MRSI capability, and a two-person crew.
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Swiss Army Orders 32 DONAR Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzers from KNDS
Switzerland has signed its largest artillery procurement contract in decades, ordering 32 AGM (Artillery Gun Module) systems on Piranha IV wheeled platforms, marketed as DONAR 10x10, from European defense group KNDS. The contract, signed on June 8, 2026, includes ammunition loading containers, training equipment, and logistics support, with GDELS-Mowag serving as subcontractor for the carrier vehicle. Deliveries to the Swiss Armed Forces are scheduled to begin in 2031. The DONAR system features a 155 mm unmanned, remotely controlled gun with automated loading, capable of firing NATO-standard ammunition. It offers unique fire-on-the-move capability, shoot-and-scoot tactics, and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI). The system requires only two crew members, significantly fewer than the current M109 howitzers it will replace. The Piranha IV platform is already familiar to the Swiss military, reducing logistics complexity.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsSwiss Army Orders 32 DONAR Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzers from KNDS
Switzerland signed its largest artillery procurement contract in decades on June 8, 2026, ordering 32 AGM (Artillery Gun Module) systems on Piranha IV 10x10 platforms, marketed as DONAR, from European defense group KNDS. The contract includes ammunition loading containers, training equipment, and logistics support, with deliveries to the Swiss Armed Forces beginning in 2031. GDELS-Mowag serves as subcontractor for the Piranha IV carrier vehicle, which is already familiar to Swiss forces. The 155 mm unmanned howitzer features automated loading, fire-on-the-move capability, shoot-and-scoot tactics, and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI). It requires only two crew members, replacing Switzerland's aging M109 variants. The deal marks a significant investment for Switzerland, which has historically maintained modest military spending and a neutral strategic posture.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsSwitzerland Modernizes Artillery Fleet with KNDS DONAR 10x10 Systems
Switzerland's procurement authority armasuisse has signed a contract with KNDS for 32 DONAR 10x10 wheeled howitzer systems, marking the country's largest artillery investment in recent years. The systems will replace the Swiss Armed Forces' aging M109 howitzers. Deliveries are set to begin in 2031 after prototype completion and qualification in 2027-2028. KNDS will act as prime contractor, pairing its Artillery Gun Module (AGM) with the Piranha IV 10x10 chassis from GDELS-Mowag. The contract includes ammunition loading containers, simulation equipment, ammunition, logistical support, spare parts, and documentation. The DONAR 10x10 features a remote-operated AGM, 360-degree firing arc, MRSI capability, and can be operated by a two-person crew. This follows armasuisse's 2024 selection of the PIRANHA IV 10x10 Heavy Mission Carrier with the 155mm AGM.
Army TechnologySwitzerland modernises artillery fleet with KNDS DONAR 10×10 systems
Switzerland's procurement authority armasuisse has signed a contract with KNDS for 32 DONAR 10×10 wheeled howitzer systems, marking the country's largest artillery investment in recent years. The systems will replace the Swiss Armed Forces' aging M109 howitzers. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, following prototype completion and qualification in 2027 and 2028. KNDS will act as prime contractor, pairing its Artillery Gun Module (AGM) with the Piranha IV 10×10 chassis from GDELS-Mowag. The contract includes ammunition loading containers, simulation equipment, ammunition, logistical support, spare parts, and documentation. The DONAR 10×10 features a remote-operated AGM with command, control, navigation, and fire control functions, operable by a two-person crew. It offers a 360-degree firing arc, fire-on-the-move capability, Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability, and direct/indirect targeting of moving land and sea targets. This follows armasuisse's 2024 selection of the PIRANHA IV 10×10 Heavy Mission Carrier with the 155mm AGM.
Army TechnologySwitzerland Procures 32 DONAR 10×10 Wheeled Howitzers from KNDS/GDELS
Switzerland has signed a comprehensive contract with KNDS and GDELS-Mowag to procure 32 state-of-the-art DONAR 10×10 wheeled howitzers on a Piranha IV chassis, known as the Artillery Gun Module (AGM). The AGM is the only artillery system in its class capable of engaging targets while moving. The contract, signed by Swiss procurement authority armasuisse and KNDS, includes the delivery of the howitzers, 32 ammunition loading containers, training equipment, and full logistical support. Deliveries to the Swiss Army are scheduled to begin in 2031. The system features a modular design, 360° effective range, 'Shoot & Scoot' and MRSI capabilities, and can be operated by a crew of two. KNDS CEO Florian Hohenwarter highlighted the long-standing trust and comprehensive mission solution provided. The DONAR 10×10 is the second wheeled howitzer system from KNDS, following the RCH 155 already contracted by Germany, UK, Qatar, and Ukraine.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikSwitzerland Procures 32 DONAR-10×10 Wheeled Howitzers from KNDS and GDELS-Mowag
Switzerland has signed a comprehensive contract with KNDS and GDELS-Mowag to procure 32 state-of-the-art DONAR-10×10 wheeled howitzers, mounted on a Piranha IV chassis. The Artillery Gun Module (AGM) is the only artillery system in its class worldwide capable of engaging targets while on the move. The Swiss procurement agency armasuisse and KNDS finalized the deal, with GDELS-Mowag serving as subcontractor for the carrier vehicle. Deliveries to the Swiss Army are scheduled to begin in 2031. The contract also includes 32 ammunition loading containers, training materials, and comprehensive logistical support. KNDS CEO Florian Hohenwarter highlighted the significance of the order as the largest Swiss artillery procurement in recent years. The AGM offers 360-degree field of fire, requires only a two-person crew, and features Shoot & Scoot and MRSI capabilities. The system is also capable of engaging moving land and sea targets.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikSwitzerland Procures 32 DONAR 10x10 Wheeled Howitzers from KNDS and GDELS-Mowag
Switzerland has signed a comprehensive contract with KNDS and GDELS-Mowag for the procurement of 32 state-of-the-art DONAR 10×10 wheeled howitzers mounted on Piranha IV chassis. The Artillery Gun Module (AGM) is the only artillery system in its class capable of engaging targets while moving. The contract, signed by the Swiss procurement authority armasuisse, includes the delivery of 32 ammunition loading containers, training equipment, and logistical support. Deliveries to the Swiss Army are scheduled to begin in 2031. KNDS CEO Florian Hohenwarter highlighted the long-standing relationship with Switzerland and the comprehensive mission solution offered. The AGM features a 360° effective range, 'Shoot & Scoot' and MRSI capabilities, and can operate with a crew of two. The system is also offered on the Boxer 8×8 chassis as the RCH 155, which is under contract with four nations. The billion-dollar order is seen as having a significant signal effect beyond Swiss borders.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und Wehrtechnik