Innovations

Technological and operational innovations in the UAS and counter-UAS space — what emerged first, where, and what it changes. Each entry is sourced, dated, and linked to the drones involved.

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artillerynatofirst seen 2026-08-01

US Army solicits tracked howitzer candidates after wheeled K9 prototype award

The US Army is seeking candidates for a tracked self-propelled howitzer program shortly after awarding a contract for wheeled K9-based mobile howitzer prototypes. This indicates a push to modernize artillery mobility and survivability optio

artillerynatofirst seen 2024-01-01

U.S. Army selects Hanwha K9 wheeled 155mm for Mobile Tactical Cannon prototypes

The U.S. Army is moving toward a wheeled self-propelled 155mm howitzer (Hanwha K9 Mobile Howitzer/K9A2) to replace some M777 towed guns, emphasizing rapid emplacement/displacement (<30s) for shoot-and-scoot and higher onboard ammo capacity.

artillerynatofirst seen 2026-08-19

US Army selects Hanwha wheeled K9 for self-propelled howitzer prototypes

The post describes the US Army choosing Hanwha’s wheeled K9 variant for prototype self-propelled howitzers, signaling a new mobile artillery platform path after prior canceled programs. While not a battlefield-proven tactic, it is a notable

artillerynatofirst seen 2024-01-01

US Army uses SLRC-derived HATS cannon to live-fire hypersonic warhead test

The U.S. Army conducted a full-scale live-fire test of a hypersonic warhead using a cannon-based launch system (HATS, derived from the canceled Strategic Long Range Cannon). This is a novel test methodology to cheaply and rapidly replicate

artilleryrussiafirst seen 2024-12-01

Russian 2S44 Hyatsint-K wheeled SPG reported destroyed near Kupyansk

The post highlights the 2S44 “Hyatsint-K,” a newer Russian 152mm wheeled self-propelled artillery system adapting the 2A36 “Hyatsint-B” gun onto an 8x8 BAZ chassis, similar in concept to 2S43 “Malva.” Its appearance (and being only the seco

artilleryotherfirst seen 2026-06-08

Australia to forge M795 155mm shells domestically at Maryborough

Australia awarded a contract to establish a domestic production line for M795 155mm artillery projectile bodies at Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions' Maryborough facility—the first time M795 forging will occur outside North America. While not a ne

artillerynatofirst seen 2025-01-01

US Army validates GA-EMS maneuvering 155mm extended-range artillery round

General Atomics is developing a maneuvering 155mm artillery projectile (ERAP) with deployable wings and redundant guidance to reach ~74+ miles from legacy guns like the M777. The novelty is extended range without rocket assist plus a non-GP

artilleryrussiafirst seen 2024-06-01

Russian 2S43 Malva wheeled SPG spotted and struck by Ukrainian drone

The post reports battlefield identification of Russia’s newer 2S43 “Malva” wheeled self-propelled howitzer, indicating its operational deployment near the front. It also describes a Ukrainian drone strike targeting the gun itself, highlight