The Finnish Defence Forces have officially begun testing the first unit of the domestically developed Bill self-propelled artillery system, equipped with a 155 mm gun. The news was released by the Finnish Defence Logistics Command.
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According to the statement, the initial test firings were conducted with the participation of the Finnish Explosives Centremarking a significant step in the system’s development.
The Bill prototype, developed by Patriawas first unveiled in March during the Patria Arctic Event. The system integrates the widely used Finnish Army 155 GH 52 (155 K 98) towed howitzer with the all-terrain military truck Content E13TP (8 × 8)which is also in service with the Defence Forces.
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The project’s main goal is to deliver a cost-effective, efficient, and rapidly deployable mobile artillery solution. In the early phase, the firing system’s design was kept unchanged to facilitate rapid troop adoption.
During operation, the system is lowered to match the height of the towed version, allowing crews to follow standard operating procedures. This means no additional training is required for conscripts or reservists already familiar with the 155 GH 52 howitzer.
The ARVE maintains similar technical characteristics to the towed version: it can fire three rounds within the first 15 seconds and reach a maximum range of up to 40 km. Loading and unloading are performed manually, with the first shot fired within 90 seconds of arriving at the firing position and the system leaving the position 45 seconds after the last shot. The ammunition capacity is 24 rounds.
Patria also noted that, if needed, the ARVE system can be upgraded with an automatic loading system to meet operational demands.
Source and images: X @pvlogl | Patria Group. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
