The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) used SIGMA 155 self-propelled howitzers, also known as Ro’em, in combat for the first time during strikes in southern Lebanon.
The information was shared by the website Defence Blog, which reported that the wheeled system was used in ground operations conducted by the IDF’s 282nd Artillery Brigade near the border.
The howitzers were used to strike Hezbollah rocket and anti-tank launch sites, with the military describing the mission as successful and noting that it achieved its objectives.
This marked the first operational use of the Ro’em in a real combat environment. The deployment is part of a broader effort to modernize Israel’s artillery forces, replacing older platforms that have been in service for decades.
Developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems, the Ro’em is a fully automated self-propelled howitzer mounted on a 10×10 wheeled chassis.
It is built to deliver fire at ranges of up to 40 kilometers and can sustain a firing rate of multiple rounds per minute. Its mobility allows it to change position quickly, reducing the risk of becoming a target after firing.
The IDF plans to gradually introduce the system, replacing the M109 platforms currently in use as units transition to the new equipment. The Ro’em is expected to remain in service for decades, with the military projecting a lifespan of at least 50 years for the system.
Photo: Israel Defense Forces. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
