Germany and Spain present the Nemesis self-propelled guns
Prototype of the Nemesis self-propelled gun
European companies GDELS and KNDS Germany have developed and presented a promising self-propelled vehicle artillery installation called Nemesis. This project is based on ideas proposed in the distant past, as well as a number of available units. Despite this approach to development, the new SPG, according to the developers, should show improved technical and combat characteristics.
First try
In 2004, the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS Germany) presented the Artillerie-Geschütz-Modul (AGM) artillery combat module. It was a turret with a 155 mm howitzer and other equipment, which was proposed to be installed on various chassis. It was assumed that the AGM would interest customers, and new self-propelled guns would be created on its basis.
In 2008, a new self-propelled gun Donar was shown at one of the European exhibitions. It was built on the basis of the ASCOD 2 tracked chassis from the Spanish company Santa Bárbara Sistemas (now General Dynamics European Land Systems) and equipped with an AGM module.
The Donar SPG was repeatedly shown at various exhibitions, and it attracted attention. However, it was not possible to find customers for such equipment. The KMW / KNDS Germany company began developing other versions of the self-propelled gun based on a unified module. Several similar samples have been presented by now, and the last one was shown just the other day.
Old new look
From May 12 to 14, the international military-technical exhibition FEINDEF 2025 was held in Madrid, Spain. At the exhibition, KNDS Germany and GDELS presented their new joint development, the Nemesis self-propelled artillery gun.
Prototype of the Donar self-propelled gun
In terms of overall appearance, architecture and selection of key components, the prospective Nemesis product is not fundamentally different from the old Donar. At the same time, this project uses an updated chassis and combat module, as well as a number of other modern systems. It is assumed that this will allow for more complete use of the technical potential of the combat vehicle and improved combat characteristics.
The developers of the new SPG do not deny some continuity with the previous project, but note that the two SPGs are in different conditions. Thus, the Donar project failed to interest customers, since insufficient attention was paid to the development of artillery at that time. In recent years, the situation has changed, and the armies of different countries again want to rearm their artillery units. In the current situation, two companies decided to return to the old concept, implement it at a modern technical level and offer it to customers again.
It should be noted that the development of the new SPG required some effort. In accordance with the updated requirements, it was necessary to redesign the existing chassis, improve the combat module and take other measures. Nevertheless, by now the two companies have successfully completed the design and built the first prototype.
The prototype of the Nemesis SPG will be sent for testing in the near future. Details of the existing plans have not yet been disclosed. It is unknown how soon the experimental SPG will make its first shots and demonstrate its fire characteristics. However, it is clear that the entire testing cycle may last for several years.
Commercial prospects are also unclear. According to some reports, GDELS offered the Nemesis to the Spanish Ministry of Defense. The department is currently considering the possibility of updating the fleet of self-propelled artillery and replacing the existing M109SP self-propelled guns. It cannot be ruled out yet that they will purchase the new Nemesis.
Technical features
The general architecture of the new Nemesis SPG is quite simple and is borrowed without changes from the old Donar project. The combat vehicle is built on the ASCOD 2 tracked chassis, modified to meet specific requirements. The AGM module in its modern version is mounted in the rear part of the chassis.
The length of the self-propelled gun with the gun forward exceeds 10 m, the width and height are about 3 m. The combat weight reached 40 tons. For comparison, the Donar vehicle had similar dimensions, but weighed about 35 tons. The increase in weight is mainly due to increased protection.
The chassis of the new SPG has an armored hull with a voluminous cabin in the nose. The habitable compartment is protected from bullets and shrapnel. It is also possible to install additional protection against more serious threats. This achieves level 4 according to the STANAG 4569 standard.
The presented prototype is equipped with a Scania diesel engine with a capacity of 1100 hp. The transmission type is not specified. It is reported that at the customer's request it is possible to use other engines and transmissions. The chassis retains seven rollers with torsion suspension on each side. Due to high loads, all rollers receive additional hydraulic shock absorbers. An automatic track tension control system SATT is used.
The AGM combat module is an armored turret housing an artillery mount and all necessary means and mechanisms. The module is mounted on the hull ring and rotates around the vertical axis. Firing is allowed in a wide range of horizontal aiming angles.
The front part of the module houses a swinging mount with a 155-mm howitzer developed by Rheinmetall. The gun has a 52-caliber barrel and is equipped with a developed muzzle brake. An automatic loader with a mechanized stowage for 30 shots is provided. All operations for preparing for a shot are carried out automatically, which allows for a high rate of fire.
"Nemesis" at an exhibition in Madrid
As part of the Nemesis SAU, the AGM module retains the standard fire control systems and other devices. The FCS automatically performs navigation and positioning, receives and processes data for firing. Aiming is performed using remote control. The possibility of introducing new devices is also declared due to the universal Next-Generation Electronic Vehicle Architecture bus from GDELS.
The Nemesis crew consists of only two people. The driver and commander-gunner are in an armored cabin and fully control the operation of all systems and mechanisms. Preparation for firing and firing are carried out without going beyond the protected volume.
Intermediate result
From a technical point of view, the new German-Spanish SPG differs little from the older Donar product. At the same time, its creators took into account the experience of the previous project and made some changes to the design. It is assumed that such measures will improve the overall characteristics and capabilities of the SPG.
As follows from open materials, the main focus was on protection issues. The chassis and cabin received new armor and the ability to install additional modules. This led to an increase in combat weight, but increased crew safety, survivability and stability of the self-propelled gun.
The AGM artillery module has not undergone any fundamental changes. In the current version, it shows the same characteristics as 20 years ago. At the same time, some improvements to the control systems and other components could lead to improvements in individual parameters.
Rear view
Overall, the Nemesis product appears to be a modern artillery system with fairly powerful weapons and high mobility parameters. However, this sample has not yet confirmed the calculated characteristics. The full test cycle may take several years, and only then will it be possible to draw conclusions.
Product for the market
The developers of the Nemesis project rightly note that by now there has been an increased demand for self-propelled artillery systems on the international arms market. The reasons for this are well known. The artillery fleet of some countries has been reduced for natural reasons - due to moral and physical obsolescence. Other countries have given their equipment to Ukraine.
A number of European countries are planning to purchase new self-propelled guns to compensate for losses and restore the desired potential. The current situation is of particular interest to military-industrial companies capable of developing and producing such equipment. They are making efforts to create new models or modernize existing equipment to interest potential buyers.
The Nemesis project emerged precisely against this backdrop. KNDS Germany and GDELS developed a new self-propelled gun in the shortest possible time and are now bringing it to market, hoping to win contracts. The premiere of such a vehicle took place recently, and now a full-fledged advertising campaign should begin.
It is not yet known what successes the new German-Spanish self-propelled gun will show. Negotiations with the first potential customer have already been reported, but their results have not yet been determined. In addition, during the recent exhibition, Nemesis could have interested other buyers, and they will also begin the negotiation process. Time will tell what this will lead to.
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