Latvian Armed Forces and Security

[Feanor]

It would be interesting for Latvian army to change their 100 mm Škoda vz53 field gun for DENEL 105 mm light weight Light Experimental Ordnance (LEO). It is capable for direct fire and can be used as a howitzer. It has extended range comparing with the common 105mm guns as well. DENEL also provide a turret based on this gun for self-propelled howitzers. (DENEL is a South African company).

P.S. 100 mm Skoda guns can be solved to Ukraine

What would the point be? They have a bunch of multi-caliber artillery that they have problems supplying with shells already. And you want to add another type to the mix? With imported ammo?

 

[vldbzh]

What would the point be? They have a bunch of multi-caliber artillery that they have problems supplying with shells already. And you want to add another type to the mix? With imported ammo?

"Multicaliber artillery" - you should have mixed it up with other Baltic states. And that "bunch" of the soviet era guns should be given over to Ukraine to mush Russian forces. Isn't that a brilliant idea?

 

[Feanor]

"Multicaliber artillery" - you should have mixed it up with other Baltic states. And that "bunch" of the soviet era guns should be given over to Ukraine to mush Russian forces. Isn't that a brilliant idea?

Sorry, perhaps I was unclear. Ukraine has a hodge-podge of multi-caliber artillery and has problems supplying them with appropriate ammo. Donating them another type of arty with yet another different caliber of shell would be counter-productive. As for mushing Russian forces, let's leave that discussion for the appropriate thread.

 

[vldbzh]

By the way. Australian MoD tried to sold their L119 Light Guns because they have completely shifted to 155 mm calibre (not a good decision from my point of view). They are conserved or in warehouse.
Also, Australian armed forces are upgrading their trucks and armoured vehicles, so a lot of Landrover, Unimog, Mack, 431 M113AS4 etc. are discontinued.

 

[vldbzh]

BAE Systems has a good sized stock of ex-Australian Army 105mm light guns that it intends to market to the Middle East.
Company officials have previously told Shephard that the guns will have interest from the armies of the Middle East as well as Latin America, which would be keen to look at a proven and cost-effective system – now is their chance at IDEX.
The Australian Army replaced its L119 Hamel 105mm light guns with the larger calibre M777 155m howitzer, built by BAE Systems. It introduced these weapons from 2010-15 with the last Hamel retiring in 2014.
The company bought 92 Hamel from the Australian Army with the intention of refurbishing them and offering them to customers. The spokesperson told Shephard that they are being stored at facilities in Australia and the UK and that any refurbishment would depend on customer requirements.
A set of good quality proven 105mm light guns are an attractive option on the international market. BAE did not confirm where the guns were being stored or if they had already refurbished any, but it would not be surprising if they were snapped up as replacements or as an upgrade for existing capabilities.