A Texas-based company has taken a significant step to offer a new type of tactical cannon for the U.S. Army.

Elbit Systems of America and Anduril Industries have announced a strategic teaming agreement to offer the SIGMA Mobile Tactical Cannon for the U.S. Army’s Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization program.

The teaming pairs Elbit America’s experience as a systems integrator and manufacturer of large ground vehicles with Anduril’s expertise in C5ISR, battle management and autonomy software, according to the announcement.

SIGMA will enable sustained fires from connected platform

The companies also revealed that they will provide an innovative, all-American solution for the U.S. Army, offering soldiers the edge on the future battlefield. SIGMA will enable sustained fires from a connected, mobile and survivable platform. 

“We’re proud to team with Anduril to reduce network integration risk and accelerate fielding,” said Luke Savoie, president and CEO of Elbit America.

“Built in the U.S. with a fully domestic supply chain, SIGMA is a combat-proven system that provides the modernization and reliability the Army needs now.”

If awarded with the program, SIGMA’s communication with the U.S. fire control network and Army Command and Control systems will leverage Anduril’s unique capabilities and experience. Anduril will also integrate its Lattice software platform into future variants of SIGMA, unlocking autonomy, while further enhancing mobility and lethality, according to a press release.

Autonomy to deliver connected, software-defined mobile artillery solution

“On Team SIGMA, we’re providing expertise in software, edge compute and autonomy to deliver a connected, software-defined mobile artillery solution that will integrate seamlessly into existing Army Command and Control and fire control architectures,” said Michael Roder, managing director at Anduril.

“Excited to see Elbit Systems of America and Anduril Industries working together to manufacture a cutting-edge military vehicle right here in America. The men and women at Elbit America’s headquarters in Fort Worth are truly at the forefront in developing the capabilities to strengthen America’s warfighters and preserve America’s national security,” said U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman.

It’s also claimed that the SIGMA is the only U.S.-built wheeled howitzer, delivering American firepower with high mobility and a fully domestic supply chain. This unique capability supports readiness while strengthening the industrial base and bringing certainty 
to modernization.

It was designed to provide highly mobile, long-range fire support while meeting the evolving requirements of modern military operations. The system combines a fully automated 155 mm artillery gun with a wheeled tactical vehicle platform, allowing it to move rapidly across different terrains and deploy quickly when needed.

One of the SIGMA system’s most significant features is its high degree of automation. The cannon is equipped with an automated loading and firing system that reduces the number of personnel required to operate it and enables a faster rate of fire. The system can carry a substantial onboard ammunition supply and is capable of firing multiple rounds per minute with high accuracy. Advanced fire-control technologies allow crews to receive targeting information, calculate firing solutions, and engage targets efficiently.

China’s one of key nuclear power plants has successfully conducted hot functional tests, according to a report. The tests were conducted at the Xudabao nuclear power plant’s unit 3.

Situated in China’s Liaoning Province, Xudabao nuclear power plant is gearing up to become fully operational.

China National Nuclear Corporation revealed that the tests validated the system for normal operation by simulating the temperatures and pressures of normal tests.

Critical part of the commissioning process

This stage is a critical part of the commissioning process, during which reactor systems are operated under conditions similar to those expected during normal plant operation. Engineers use these tests to verify the performance and reliability of key systems before nuclear fuel is introduced into the reactor.

Completion of this phase indicates that Unit 3 has entered the final stretch before startup activities begin. The reactor is expected to move toward fuel loading and subsequent operational preparations in the coming years.

Reports revealed that at the same construction site, Unit 2 recorded another major breakthrough with the installation of its reactor pressure vessel.

Large-scale equipment installation

This massive component serves as the heart of the nuclear reactor, containing the reactor core and supporting safe operation throughout the plant’s lifetime. Its successful placement marks the transition from civil construction work to large-scale equipment installation.

The Xudabao project is designed to become a significant contributor to the nation’s electricity supply. The development combines both domestically developed and internationally sourced reactor technologies. Units 1 and 2 are based on China’s CAP1000 design, while Units 3 and 4 utilize the Russian-developed VVER-1200 reactor technology. Additional reactors are planned as part of the site’s long-term expansion strategy.

Construction activities at the project have progressed steadily over recent years as China continues to expand its nuclear power sector. China views nuclear energy as an important element of its broader strategy to ensure energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s claimed that once all planned units are operational, the Xudabao facility is expected to generate tens of billions of kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The plant will play a significant role in supplying low-carbon power to support economic growth while contributing to China’s environmental and climate objectives.

CNNC said the completion of the hot tests at Xudabao 3 “lay a solid foundation for subsequent nuclear fuel loading, grid connection, and power generation”. CNNC added the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of unit 2 was successfully hoisted into place on 28 May, “marking the official start of the peak period for the installation of main equipment for unit 2”, reported World Nuclear News.

The latest milestones demonstrate the project’s steady advancement and reflect China’s ongoing commitment to expanding its nuclear generation capacity as part of a diversified and cleaner energy mix.