The Semser (Sword) self-propelled howitzer was developed by Israel's Soltam under contract to the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense. The Semser 122-mm SPH will be manufactured by local Kazakh companies. Before the end of 2008 Kazakh Army will have operational battalion of Semser howitzers. Kazakhstan intends to export this truck-mounted howitzer possible customers in the region, including Azerbaijan and Kyrgyz Republic.
This artillery system is armed with a modified variant of the D-30 122-mm towed howitzer. This towed howitzer was produced in large numbers and Kazakhstan has plenty of 122-mm ammunition, inherited from the Soviet Union. It was one of the reasons, why 122-mm caliber was preferred to Russian 152-mm or NATO 155-mm. Maximum range of fire is only 15.3 km. This truck-mounted howitzer is also capable of direct firing.
The Semser has an integrated automated command and control system, provided by Soltam and Elbit.
This artillery system is based on KamAZ-6350 8x8 truck chassis. Vehicle is powered by the KamAZ-740.50.360 diesel engine, developing 360 hp.