Advancements in Mobile Artillery: The New Hawkeye Howitzer
AM General has unveiled the next generation of its 105mm mobile howitzer, the Hawkeye, at the AUSA 2025 exhibition in Washington D.C. This model follows its predecessor, which underwent combat testing during the conflict in Ukraine.
The new Hawkeye integrates an upgraded tactical truck chassis with an advanced powertrain and improved architecture. The company describes the howitzer as a "light, agile, robust, and lethal" solution for contemporary combat operations.
According to the manufacturer, the system can transition from travel to combat mode, fire a shot, and revert to safety in just 90 seconds. This capability allows artillery crews to strike targets and reposition before enemy sensors or drones can detect their location.
"The system is built on patented soft recoil technology that reduces recoil force by up to 60%. This breakthrough allows for the integration of large-caliber weapons on a nimble and durable platform, creating a new class of highly mobile artillery with exceptional accuracy," stated AM General.
The Hawkeye boasts a standard firing range of 11.6 km, which can extend to 19.5 km when using rocket-assisted projectiles. The howitzer can achieve up to eight rounds per minute for three minutes, after which the rate drops to three rounds per minute.
AM General emphasized that the design updates and performance enhancements are directly based on extensive field tests conducted in Ukraine, where earlier versions of the Hawkeye system were utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in real combat scenarios.
Previously, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that by 2026, Ukraine and the EU would match Russia's artillery production capabilities. He expressed confidence that in the future, Ukraine's artillery could surpass that of its adversary.
