The Latvian National Armed Forces have received into service its final batch of the M109 series 155mm self-propelled artillery system, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence Republic.

Ministry of Defence Republic on 18 October has announced that Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis and Commander of the National Armed Forces Lieutenant-General Leonid Kalnins will visit the Adazi base to view the self-propelled howitzer purchased from Austria.

Latvian Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis emphasizes: “I am pleased that in such a short period of time we have received all the howitzers purchased from Austria, which is a historic contribution to strengthening the capacity of the Latvian Army’s fire support.”

In April 2017, a bilateral agreement was signed between the Latvian Ministry of Defense and the Austrian Ministry of Defense and Sports on the purchase of M109A5Oe self-propelled artillery systems, including the purchase of fire control and training platforms. The purchase of self-propelled artillery systems is an important complement to the Latvian National Armed Forces, which makes it possible to improve national defense capabilities.

In order to improve the ability of the Latvian Armed Forces to support indirect fire, as well as improve Latvia’s ability to integrate fully into NATO operations and training, 47 artillery systems were purchased from Austria. The cost per unit, depending on its modification, is between € 60,000 and € 140,000.

Self-propelled artillery system M109A5Oe type A howitzer, which is earlier A2 and A3 howitzers modernized version with 39 caliber M185 barrel, has shot distance with the standard or conventional ammunition is 22 kilometers, while the shooting distance with advanced operational ammunition is 30 kilometers.

The 155mm self-propelled artillery M109A5Oe system has installed a semi-automatic charging system, inertial navigation system, electrical system, artillery fire control system. Its modification provides that the howitzer is able to open fire within a minute of receiving the order to fire, as well as after the fire has completed its task within 30 seconds to leave the fire position. With a well-trained crew, howitzers can fire up to 12 projectiles a minute. In addition, his power to protect the platform is equipped with a 12,7mm machine gun.

The fire control center is M109A5Oe is an Austrian modification for the M109 platform with a the standard corps and dismantled gun, thus increasing the interior space. The platform is equipped with tactical artillery calculation with printer, radio stations and an additional 28 V generator. For its force protection, platform is equipped with the 80mm smoke grenade system and 12.7mm machine gun.

Driver training platforms M109 are designed for conducting practical driving training.