Development/Description

Giat Industries has developed and sold a modernisation package for the US 105 mm M101A1 towed howitzer.

The modifications can be carried out by Giat Industries or the company can supply kits to enable the user to upgrade them in their own facilities using their own personnel.

The modernisation includes replacing the original barrel with the 105 mm LG1 barrel (this weapon is already used by Belgium, Canada, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand). The breech block and breech ring of the original M101A1 is retained, with a new muzzle brake and balancer, and ballast on the trails being installed.

The upgraded M101A1 is 225 kg heavier than the standard weapon. It fires all standard NATO ammunition including the US M1 projectile to a maximum range of 11,500 m. It can also fire a Giat 105 BB projectile to a range of 17,500 m, a Giat HBHE projectile to a maximum range of 15,000 m and the latest Giat Industries 105 mm HE ER G2 projectile to a maximum range of 18,100 m, after changing the breech ring.

Production as required. In service with the Philippines (12) and Thailand (285).