US Army Contracts General Dynamics for European Artillery Shell Development

The U.S. Army has selected General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems to adapt the Vulcano 155 mm precision-guided artillery shell for American use, with a contract awarded through the National Armaments Consortium.

This shell can hit targets at a range of 70 km (43 miles) and utilizes GPS and Semi-Active Laser guidance, already employed by Germany and Italy. The adaptation will involve collaboration with Diehl Defence and Leonardo Electronics to transition production to U.S. facilities.

This decision aims to mitigate vulnerabilities from relying on foreign production and to meet modernization priorities established in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Vulcano's advanced design allows it to engage targets from greater distances, enhancing battlefield coverage and complicating enemy countermeasures. The shift to domestic production aligns with U.S. defense procurement preferences for local manufacturing.