DONAR German 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

The DONAR German 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer, also known as the Artillery Gun Module (AGM), is a state-of-the-art, air-deployable, autonomous, and remotely-operated artillery system designed to meet the increasing demand for precise indirect-fire capabilities. This system can augment or even replace close-air-support operations that have traditionally relied on expensive fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and General Dynamics Land Systems, through their collaboration with SBS, have embarked on a joint initiative to develop and market this next-generation artillery system, which weighs less than 32 tons. In late 2004, KMW unveiled a prototype of the 155mm self-propelled howitzer built on the chassis of the US-developed Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This prototype is referred to as the Artillery Gun Module (AGM) and was developed as a private venture to satisfy the future operational needs of the German Army. The DONAR system transforms conventional artillery doctrine by reducing crew sizes and logistical footprints while enabling autonomous operations. It aims to replace legacy systems such as the M109, AS90, and K9 currently in use by modern armies. The mission spectrum of DONAR encompasses a range of tasks, from classic artillery fire support missions to active field protection. Its autonomous capabilities mark a significant advancement toward networked and centralized command and control.