IDF Introduces the SIGMA 155 “Ro’em”: A Leap in Artillery Technology
The IDF Artillery Corps marked a historic milestone this week with the induction of its cutting-edge new howitzer, the SIGMA 155 “Ro’em” (thunderous). It is considered one of the most advanced and lethal artillery systems currently in operation worldwide.
The new platform, developed and manufactured by Elbit Systems, is set to gradually replace the veteran U.S.-made M-109 howitzers, the “Doher” (racer), that have served the IDF for decades. The transition to the Ro’em represents far more than a technical upgrade in caliber or range; it reflects a profound doctrinal shift in how the IDF delivers statistical and precision fire deep into enemy territory, relying on autonomous technologies that dramatically shorten end-to-end response times.
During the official handover ceremony at the production plant, attended by the Chief Artillery Officer, Brig. Gen. Ehud Bibi, it was emphasized that the new system constitutes a major leap forward in the corps’ operational capabilities. According to defense establishment reports and the Artillery Corps’ official announcement, the Ro’em introduces a technological breakthrough that reduces the combat crew from seven soldiers to just three.
This innovation is made possible by a fully automated and advanced loading system, which completely eliminates the need for a physical loader. Beyond manpower efficiency, this change opens the door to significantly broader integration of women combatants into forward artillery units, as the physical burden of handling shells weighing tens of kilograms has been replaced by mechanical and computerized systems.
Operationally, the Ro’em presents unprecedented performance for a mobile artillery platform. Its firing range is double that of its predecessor, and its rate of fire reaches eight rounds per minute—allowing a single battery to generate firepower that previously required an entire battalion.
The howitzer is based on a wheeled rather than tracked platform, granting it independent, rapid mobility on roads and logistical routes without the need for transporters—an essential advantage when rapidly shifting between combat sectors. In addition, the system is equipped with an advanced fire control system that synchronizes in real time with other IDF intelligence and strike units, making the howitzer an integral part of the digital battlefield network.
With the first Ro’em leaving Elbit’s factory en route to the Tze’elim base in southern Israel, the operational integration phase within the Artillery Corps has effectively begun. While the older Doher howitzers will continue to serve in reserve units, the regular force will focus on building its firepower around the Ro’em system.
The ability to replenish ammunition in a single operation by loading an entire munition cassette, combined with a significant reduction in the platform’s logistical footprint, is expected to reshape future combat operations and provide field commanders with a level of operational flexibility previously unavailable.
This marks another step in transforming the Artillery Corps into a technologically driven, data-centric, and automated force, adapted to the threats of the 21st century.
Elbit SIGMA Next Gen Howitzer
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