GCT 155mm

The GCT 155mm is a modern self-propelled artillery vehicle currently in use by the armies of France and Saudi Arabia. It replaced the former Mk F3 155mm in French Army service. The GCT 155mm's primary advancement is that it incorporates and provides full armor and nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) protection for its crew of four, while the former Mk F3 155mm offered no protection and could carry only two of its four crew members. Though 60% heavier than the American M109, the GCT 155mm is faster, fires faster and incorporated a more sophisticated fire control system. The GCT 155mm saw combat with the Iraqi Army in the Iran–Iraq War.

History

Though the French Mk 3 155mm would remain in production through the 1980s, by the early 1970s the French Army realized there was an urgent need for its replacement. The Mk. 3 155mm lacked a traversable turret and nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) protection for its crew, and could carry only two of the four crew members needed to operate it (the remaining two having to be transported in support vehicles). Development of the GCT 155mm began in the early 1970s, and the first production version, known as the AUF1, was introduced in 1977. About 400 have been produced, with 70 having been upgraded to the AUF2 variant.

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155mm

155 mm (6.1") is a common and NATO-standard artillery calibre.

Land warfare

Since the late 20th century, most NATO armies have centred on 155 mm weapons as having a good compromise between range and destructive power whilst having a single calibre simplifies logistics; leading to the obsolescence of calibres such as 175 mm and 203 mm – although some forces retain 105 mm guns for their portability. Russian/Soviet guns and those of other aligned countries tend to use 152 mm weapons in similar roles.