Ebit Systems has unveiled the revolutionary self-propelled howitzer, codenamed “Thunderous,” in a recent demonstration to military representatives from the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, and Hungary. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are in the process of adopting this state-of-the-art artillery system, generating interest from various European nations. While many of its subsystems are classified, Ebit recently revealed a prototype of an export version. The cannon’s performance has surpassed expectations, boasting a firing rate of at least eight rounds per minute, surpassing previous models. Its automatic shell reloading feature further enhances its efficiency. The Thunderous self-propelled howitzer is mounted on wheels, increasing its maneuverability, according to Ebit Systems.
In a collaborative effort, Rheinmetall and Ebit Systems successfully executed a live-fire demonstration of the automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer in March. This event, hosted at the Shvita firing range in southern Israel, witnessed participation from high-ranking officials representing the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary. The partnership between Rheinmetall and Ebit Systems, formed through a cooperative agreement last year, aims to design, produce, and market an automated European 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system. The “Rheinmetall Ebit” partnership, led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, aligns with Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukunftsSystem, Indirektes Feuer, Mittleres-Entfernung)” initiative, intended to modernize and expand the Bundeswehr’s artillery capabilities. The UK’s “Mobile Fires Platform” program also remains a priority, with potential interest from Hungary and other nations.
This collaboration leverages Ebit’s extensive experience in fully automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurement programs, establishing a technologically advanced system. This facilitates the integration of Rheinmetall’s gun into the Ebit system’s unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret, a stage already underway in the verification process. This strategic approach reduces development risks and accelerates operational readiness. Active bilateral technology transfer is in progress, promoting the exchange of domestic expertise and concepts. Rheinmetall is currently adapting the system to European operational requirements and adhering to German regulatory approvals. Furthermore, the collaboration benefits from Rheinmetall’s proven 155mm L52 gun, the high-mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a safeguarded cabin, and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite.
