Artillery Apr 2026
Early artillery consisted of mechanical engines like catapults, ballistas, and trebuchets .
Versatile, medium-velocity weapons capable of both high-angle (indirect) and low-angle fire. They are the most common field artillery type today. artillery
Cannons appeared in Europe in the 14th century, initially as siege engines to breach castle walls. Cannons appeared in Europe in the 14th century,
Low-velocity, high-angle weapons that fire projectiles at angles greater than 45 degrees, typically to hit targets behind cover or in trenches. Leading Global Systems (2025-2026) Key Feature PzH 2000
Integration with drones, satellites, and digital fire-control computers allows for near-instant targeting and coordination across the theater. Leading Global Systems (2025-2026) Key Feature PzH 2000 SP Howitzer Fully automated, high rate of fire M142 HIMARS High mobility, precision-guided rockets K9 Thunder SP Howitzer Widely exported, excellent mobility Archer SP Howitzer Rapid deployment and "shoot-and-scoot"
Highly mobile systems, such as the CAESAR truck-mounted howitzer, can fire and relocate within minutes to avoid counter-battery fire.
Artillery encompasses a broad range of crew-served military weapons designed to deliver heavy munitions far beyond the range of small arms. Often called the or the "god of war," it remains a primary source of lethality on modern battlefields, causing the majority of combat deaths in major 20th-century conflicts. 1. Core Classifications