Diehl Defence, Leonardo and General Dynamics mark contract award at Eurosatory 2026

PARIS, FRANCE – Diehl Defence, Leonardo and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) have marked the award of the U.S. Army’s Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) contract, following the selection of the Vulcano 155mm Guided Long Range (GLR) ammunition by the U.S. Army’s Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS). The announcement was made during Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.

PRECISION LONG-RANGE CAPABILITY

According to the companies, the ERAP initiative is intended to strengthen long-range precision fire capabilities while addressing the increasing demand for highly accurate artillery systems capable of operating in complex operational environments. The selected solution is based on the combat-proven Vulcano 155mm Guided Long Range ammunition family, which has been deployed by allied forces in recent years.

GUIDED ARTILLERY SYSTEM

Vulcano was developed jointly by Diehl Defence and Leonardo, with Leonardo serving as the design authority for the programme. The guided artillery munition is designed to engage both stationary and moving targets at extended ranges using satellite navigation combined with either laser or infrared terminal guidance.

Diehl Defence said its contribution to the programme includes advanced ammunition technologies, terminal-seeking sensors, weapon system integration, Safe and Arm Devices, and industrial manufacturing. Leonardo has been responsible for key elements including precision guidance, fuze and warhead technologies, as well as overall system integration.

TRANSATLANTIC COOPERATION

The companies said the ERAP programme reflects continued industrial cooperation between European and U.S. defence partners.

Gunnar Pappert, Senior Vice President Land Systems at Diehl Defence, said the selection of the Vulcano-based solution demonstrates the maturity and operational performance of a system already in service with several allied nations.

Luca Perazzo, Deputy Managing Director Defence Systems at Leonardo, said the award further reinforces Vulcano’s position as a reference system in guided artillery and supports the continued evolution of long-range precision fire capabilities.