155 K 98 Towed Howitzer

155 K 98 Towed Howitzer

Type: artillery

Domain: land

Country of Origin: Finland

Manufacturer: Patria

Overview

Finnish indigenous 155mm/52-calibre towed howitzer providing long-range precision fires for Finnish artillery brigades. The 155 K 98 features a 52-calibre barrel providing extended range (40+ km with standard ammunition, 50+ km with extended-range projectiles), modern fire control system with GPS/INS and ballistic computer, hydraulic loading assistance for rapid firing, split-trail carriage for 360-degree traverse, and towing by 8x8 trucks. Rate of fire of 4 rounds/minute for 3 minutes or 2 rounds/minute sustained. Weight of approximately 9 tonnes. Crew of 8 soldiers. The 155 K 98 fires all NATO-standard 155mm ammunition including high-explosive, illumination, smoke, precision-guided (Excalibur), and rocket-assisted projectiles. Finland maintains one of the largest artillery forces in Europe relative to population, with territorial defense strategy emphasizing massed fires to defeat armored incursions. The towed howitzers provide cost-effective firepower complementing more expensive self-propelled systems. Can be rapidly emplaced in prepared positions throughout Finnish territory. Hundreds of 155 K 98 howitzers equip Finnish artillery brigades providing depth fires for operational-level operations.

Technical Specifications

Crew8
Weight12,500 kg (in action)
Caliber155 mm
Elevation-3° to +70°
Max range24.7 km (standard), 30+ km (RAP)
Tow vehicleSisu E13TP
Rate of fire3 rounds/min
Barrel lengthL39 (39 calibers)

Operators

Related land Weapon Systems