Recently, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova released a video demonstrating the action of ATMOS 155/52 mm self-propelled artillery units, produced by Elbit Systems, whose acquisition had not previously been announced.
To date, Moldovan artillery is based on old Soviet-era models, including the 122 mm M-30, the 152 mm M-1955, and the 152 mm 2A36. These systems are largely obsolete and of dubious efficacy in a modern conflict.
The Moldovan ATMOS units appear installed on 6×6 chassis with armored cabs to protect the crew and servants from small arms fire and artillery shrapnel during the march.
The Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer, or ATMOS, is equipped with a digital fire control system that drastically reduces the time between battery placement, fire opening, and disengagement. The modular ATMOS gun system is a battle-tested wheeled solution capable of firing between 4 to 9 standard NATO 155 mm shells per minute; it has an effective range of over 40 km with standard shells and offers extended range with rocket-assisted propulsion (RAP) shells.
The ATMOS system is designed for rapid deployment and operation, providing artillery support for a wide range of missions; the self-propelled vehicle, depending on the adopted chassis, carries 27-32 shells along with their launch charges.
Source and images credited to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova.
