WASHINGTON — General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) announced it has been awarded a contract to develop a 155‑mm projectile for the Army’s Extended Range Artillery Project (ERAP) program, joining General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD‑OTS) and BAE Systems, which were previously selected for the effort.
“Over time we have expanded our production capacity, advanced our scaling innovations, and reinforced our readiness to design, qualify, produce, and deliver next‑generation munitions,” said Scott Forney, president of GA‑EMS, in a company release on Friday. “This award confirms that GA‑EMS is ready to deliver extended‑range, precision capabilities that give the warfighter unmatched standoff range and lethality.”
The ERAP initiative, also known as the XM1155 program, was launched in 2024 as the Army’s effort to develop a 155‑mm projectile capable of engaging moving targets at distances beyond 65 km (40 mi), including self‑propelled howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, multiple‑rocket launchers, tanks and maritime targets. The XM1155 follows the now‑canceled Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program.
An Army request for information released in 2024 indicated the service seeks solutions that can achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by fiscal year 2030 and commence low‑rate production by the second quarter of FY 2029. The munitions must be compatible with both current and future howitzers, the Army added, referencing the ongoing self‑propelled howitzer competition expected to be awarded next month.
GA‑EMS’s announcement comes a week after GD‑OTS revealed it also received a developmental contract for its Vulcano 155 Guided Long‑Range system. The Vulcano, developed by Italy’s Leonardo Electronics and Germany’s Diehl Defence, will see its production lines transitioned to the United States, according to GD‑OTS.
GD‑OTS stated the system can reach ranges up to 70 km with high precision, thanks to advanced aerodynamics, GPS guidance and a semi‑active laser (SAL) terminal seeker. The ammunition is also offered with a far‑infrared seeker for sea‑target engagement, and both configurations maintain precision in GPS‑contested environments.
Defense Department’s Ordnance Technology website confirms BAE Systems also received a contract to develop its own version of the new 155‑mm projectile. BAE has not issued a public statement and did not respond to a request for comment.