By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
The artillery corps of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has officially integrated Elbit Systems’ SIGMA 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, a next-generation system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver faster, more accurate, and more survivable fires on the modern battlefield. Dubbed “Roem” in IDF service, the platform replaces ageing M109 guns and marks a major step change in digitized, autonomous artillery for high-intensity conflict.
AI-Driven Fire Control
SIGMA, a 155 mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer with an advanced software-based AI engine that calculates real-time firing solutions, enables first-shot engagement within about 60 seconds of halting. The AI also optimizes projectile, propellant and fuze selection automatically, underpinning high accuracy with a deviation of roughly 0.7% while reducing cognitive and workload demands on the crew.
High Mobility and Protection
The IDF Roem configuration mounts the 155 mm/52-caliber cannon on a high-mobility 10×10 wheeled chassis. This provides strategic mobility without tank transporters and significantly faster road movements than legacy tracked artillery systems. All firing operations are conducted from an armored cabin, so the crew does not need to expose themselves during firing. This enhances protection against counter-battery and small-arms threats.
Automation and Reduced Crew
A fully automated turret handles ammunition selection, loading and gun laying through remote control from the protected cabin. This eliminates the need for external crew actions during firing. This high level of automation allows SIGMA to operate with a typical crew of three (commander, gunner, and driver) compared with roughly seven on legacy M109 systems, while sustaining high operational tempo.
Rate of Fire and Shoot-and-Scoot
SIGMA supports a firing rate of approximately 6–8 rounds per minute, with the ability to deliver sequential shots on varied trajectories to achieve near-simultaneous impact on target. Transition from travel to firing (and back) is completed in under a minute for effective “shoot-and-scoot” operations that reduce exposure to enemy counter-battery fire.
Range, Magazine and Endurance
The system carries an onboard magazine of about 40 rounds in the turret, giving sustained fire capability without immediate resupply. In IDF Roem configuration, SIGMA fires standard 155 mm ammunition to about 40 km, while an export-oriented configuration is promoted with ranges of up to roughly 80 km when using extended-range or rocket-assisted munitions.
Proven in Demanding Trials
SIGMA has been tested in extreme conditions, including a 10,000 km trial in the Nevada desert, validating reliability, mobility and sustained high-rate firing in harsh environments. Following these evaluations, the system is set for wider deployment as it phases out M109 platforms and anchors a new era of AI-enabled, autonomous artillery within Israel’s ground forces.