no alt text
no alt text

Press release

Switzerland Procures State-of-the-Art Artillery System from KNDS



Munich / Bern, June 08, 2026 –
The Swiss procurement authority armasuisse and KNDS have signed a comprehensive contract for the acquisition of 32 AGM wheeled howitzer systems mounted on the Piranha IV (KNDS designation: DONAR 10x10). KNDS, acting as the prime contractor, and GDELS-Mowag, responsible as subcontractor for the Piranha IV carrier vehicle, will deliver the production systems to the Swiss Armed Forces starting in 2031. Additional elements of the contract include equipping the army with 32 ammunition loading containers developed by KNDS, training equipment, and comprehensive logistical support.

“With this contract, KNDS is implementing Switzerland’s largest artillery procurement project of recent years. We are grateful not only for this significant procurement order itself, but also for the decades-long partnership and the fundamental trust placed in us by the Swiss user community and armasuisse. KNDS will deliver more than just wheeled howitzers. As a systems provider, we offer a comprehensive mission solution tailored to customer requirements—from system training and maintenance, to logistical support, and even ammunition storage,” said Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland.


Foto KNDS AGM auf Piranha IV.jpg

The modular approach of the automatic and remotely operated Artillery Gun Module (AGM) enables its integration onto the latest 10x10 variant of the Piranha IV from GDELS-Mowag. The AGM is the only system in the world capable of conducting artillery fire missions while on the move. In addition to the RCH 155, which is under contract in Germany, the UK, Qatar, and Ukraine, the DONAR 10x10 is KNDS’s second wheeled howitzer system featuring all the capabilities of modern tube artillery.

The AGM provides full autonomy of the overall system in command and control, navigation, and fire control, while its inherent system stability enables entirely new operational possibilities.

The DONAR 10x10 can be fully operated with a crew of two. Optionally, the vehicle provides sufficient space for an additional crew member (2+1) or extra storage capacity. The AGM has a 360° firing arc. Thanks to the robust 10x10 multi-link suspension system, no mechanical stabilization is required during firing, allowing the main weapon to fire while moving. Its distinctive “shoot & scoot” capability, as well as MRSI capability (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact), and both indirect and direct targeting against moving land and sea targets underscore the system’s outstanding artillery capabilities.

KNDS already successfully offers the AGM artillery module on the 8x8 BOXER wheeled armored vehicle in the RCH 155 variant. The KNDS RCH 155 is currently under contract with four nations.



About KNDS

KNDS is a leading pan-European land defense company, uniting nearly 11,000 employees and generating €4.4 billion in revenue in 2025. With a strong order backlog of €33.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, the group delivers innovative complete mission solutions built on state-of-the art technologies. Leveraging deep industrial expertise and strong partnerships, KNDS develops open, interoperable solutions combining manned and unmanned systems, designed to meet tomorrow’s operational challenges. As a prime contractor, it provides full system-of-systems capabilities, from platforms to ammunition and services, managing the entire value chain and encompassing complete product life cycles.

Born from the alliance of Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, KNDS embodies the path toward a collective and efficient future for the sovereignty of Europe’s defense by supporting the standardization and interoperability between European and NATO forces.

Trusted by 40+ armies worldwide, including 24 European armed forces, KNDS benefits from decades of combat-proven experience. KNDS embodies a united, efficient model to enhance stability and long-term security in Europe and beyond.


Press Contact

Christian Budde
Pressesprecher / Press Officer
E-Mail: christian.budde@knds.de
T +49 89 8140 5498
M: +49 160 588 3254

KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Krauss-Maffei-Str. 11
80997 Munich / Germany


Loading page