Israel deploys the new generation Sigma 155 Roem self-propelled howitzer.
The Sigma 155 Roem wheeled self-propelled artillery system, developed by Elbit Systems, has officially joined the Israeli army, replacing the older M109 series with an optimized crew of just three people.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun modernizing their artillery with the acquisition of the first Sigma 155 Roem wheeled self-propelled howitzers. These are manufactured by Elbit Systems and are intended to replace the aging M109 tracked self-propelled howitzers currently in service with the country.
Testing and handover completed.
The Sigma 155 Roem development project was launched in 2019. According to Ynetnews, after several phases of field testing (including operations in the summer of 2024), the development of this system has been officially completed. The IDF plans to conduct its first official exercises with this artillery system in the near future to assess its operational coordination capabilities.
The handover plan indicates that the Israeli army will continue to receive new artillery units this summer. The first unit prioritized for equipping with the Sigma 155 Roem is the 405th Battalion of the 282nd Golan Artillery Brigade. Meanwhile, the M109s will not be completely phased out but will be transferred to reserve units to maintain combat readiness in large-scale conflict situations.
Technical analysis and combat capabilities
The Sigma 155 Roem is the standard representative of the modern 155 mm self-propelled artillery line. Its most notable feature is its barrel length, which is 52 times its diameter (L/52), allowing for a significant increase in range compared to older systems.
Comparison Table of Technical Specifications (Estimated)
| Parameter | Sigma 155 Roem (Israel) | Archer (Sweden) |
|---|---|---|
| caliber | 155 mm L/52 | 155 mm L/52 |
| Combat crew | 3 people | 3 people |
| Rate of fire | 8 tablets/minute | 8-9 tablets/minute |
| Ammunition | 40 tablets | 21 tablets |
| Chassis | Oshkosh 10x10 | Volvo 6x6 or RMMV 8x8 |
Although Elbit Systems has not released all the specifications, military experts assess the Sigma 155 Roem as being on par with the renowned Swedish Archer system. The Roem's rate of fire is 8 rounds per minute, equivalent to the Archer's ability to fire 3 rounds in 20 seconds. The deployment and retrieval times are also extremely impressive, taking only about 30 and 20 seconds respectively, increasing its survivability against enemy counter-artillery fire.
Advantages in automation and manpower
One of the most significant advancements of the Sigma 155 Roem is its extremely high level of automation. Reducing the crew size from 7 (on the M109) to 3 helps Israel address its military manpower shortage.
The fully automatic loading system eliminates strenuous manual operations. Previously, gunners had to manually carry heavy 40 kg rounds, which limited the number of crew members. With the Sigma 155 Roem, the IDF can form all-female crews, as machinery has taken over the most physically demanding tasks.
Furthermore, the use of the Oshkosh 10x10 wheeled chassis not only allows for greater maneuverability on paved roads but also provides a more stable platform compared to the 6x6 or 8x8 chassis of its competitors. This is especially important when operating large-caliber artillery systems with high rates of fire.
