The Brazilian Army is to receive new units of the M109 A5 ‘Plus’ BR self-propelled combat artillery vehicle.

Developed to meet the army’s requirements, the new self-propelled M109 A5 ‘Plus’ BR has a longer range and features various improvements that reduce target engagement time by 80%.

The 5th self-propelled field artillery group (5th GAC AP) in Curitiba will be one of the first to receive 16 units of the new combat artillery vehicle.

The field artillery group has built a new pavilion and incorporated an additional battery in order to increase its manpower.

Personnel training has also been carried out in preparation for the new systems.

The guns feature an initial tube velocity gauge to enhance accuracy, as well as an improved positioning and navigation system, a command display unit, digital radios, a gun control system, and a remotely driven tube lock.

"The new self-propelled M109 A5 ‘Plus’ BR has a longer range and features various improvements that reduce target engagement time by 80%."

Brazil bought 36 surplus US Army M109s, which are being upgraded to ‘BR’ standard by BAE Systems under a contract awarded in September 2016.

Delivery of the vehicles under the contract is expected to begin next year.

Final deliveries, training, and support in Brazil will take place by the end of 2018.

In addition to overhauls and upgrades, BAE Systems provides spares and training as well as live-fire and field service support.

Brazil also operates 40 previous A3 variants purchased from the Belgian Army.

Image: The new self-propelled M109 A5 ‘Plus’ BR has a longer range. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.