AM General presented a significantly upgraded version of Hawkeye 105 mm Mobile Howitzer System (MHS) during the AUSA 2025 exhibition in Washington, reports the Journal European Security & Defense.
The main innovation in the new generation is the introduction of soft-reOoil technology, which can reduce recoil by up to 60 %. According to the manufacturer, this makes it possible to mount a large-caliber shot on a light platform without sacrificing stability or precision, thus expanding the tactical possibilities of light artillery and mobile tactical vehicles.
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The exhibited system was equipped with the well-known M119 105 mm cannon, which am General says can be ready, fired and moved again in under 90 seconds. This reduces exposure to motilds and improves the battery’s survivability in the modern impact field.
History and use in battle
The previous version of Hawkeye was tested in Ukraine from April 2024 to assess the system’s performance under real fighting conditions. The first public report on transfers of these systems to Kyiv came in June 2024, when representatives of AM General stated that broadcasts had taken place that month. Pictures of units in Ukrainian service began to circulate in September 2024.
Design and technical features
Hawkeye MHS is the result of collaboration between AM General and Mandus Group. In practice, it is the light M105 haubits mounted on chassis from HMMWV M1152-a solution that combines tactical mobility with the article’s impact.
Among the technical features the manufacturer highlights are:
- High mobility and compatibility with air transport (including sling transport and parachute).
- Four hydraulic stabilizers that ensure the stability of the platform when firing.
- Horizontal turn of 180 ° (optional 360 ° if needed) and elevation from -5 ° to +72 °.
- Standard crew of four soldiers, although the system can be operated by only two people in extraordinary situations.
In 2021, AM General received a contract from the US Army to deliver two Hawkeye prototypes for performance testing-a step that helped validate the system’s light design and modularity.
Source and pictures: European Security & Defense | AM General. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
