A new 10×10 mobile gun platform from General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) Canada has emerged as a potential next-gen artillery solution for the Canadian Army.
The “Grizzly” self-propelled howitzer features a 155mm artillery weapon supplied by KNDS Deutschland, which GDLS is partnering with to develop the platform.
The gun comes with a fully automated loading and ammunition-handling system housed in an unmanned turret, designed to keep the crew protected during firing operations.
Grizzly is also said to include a fire-on-the-go capability aligned with requirements for highly mobile artillery systems intended for contested combat environments.
“Sovereign defense capability matters — to our economy, to our industrial base, and most importantly, to the soldiers who rely on these vehicles,” the company stated on social media.
Protecting Crews
Grizzly uses a hull structure based on light armored vehicles currently in service with the Canadian Army, a factor that could simplify training and logistics for soldiers.
It can accommodate up to four crew members and reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour.
Its turret is built to carry up to 30 projectiles and sustain a firing rate of eight rounds per minute, with an engagement range of up to 70 kilometers (42 miles).
Strengthening Canadian Forces
The Grizzly development comes as the Canadian Army looks to modernize its mobile artillery under a 5-billion Canadian dollar ($3.6 billion) program.
The initiative follows calls from Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize Canadian-made defense platforms, with more than 100 domestic proposals submitted to the service.
The company said Grizzly production would be split across Canada and the UK, with hulls built in Ontario and final assembly of the gun systems taking place in the UK.
“We think we have a strong argument with this platform,” GDLS Canada Corporate Affairs Manager Jay Hancock said, as quoted by The London Free Press.
“From a maintenance perspective, it has a lot of commonality in service and support, but when it comes to capability, it brings the best of what the world has to offer.”
