Paraguay is preparing for a significant milestone in its military modernization as the Paraguayan Army plans to field self-propelled artillery for the first time, enabled by a forthcoming donation from Brazil. Announced by Army Commander General Manuel Rodríguez and reported by Nacional AM, the initiative involves the transfer of six M108 105 mm self-propelled howitzers. The move reflects growing defense collaboration between Paraguay and Brazil and illustrates how surplus equipment transfers are being used to enhance regional capabilities without major procurement expenditures.
The M108, a tracked self-propelled howitzer developed by the United States during the Cold War, was designed to support mechanized formations with mobile indirect firepower. Mounted on a fully traversable turret and sharing its chassis lineage with the M109, the system offers armored protection, road speeds of up to 60 km/h, and an operational range of around 350 kilometers. Although its 105 mm gun provides shorter reach than modern 155 mm systems, the M108 remains capable of delivering responsive artillery support while enabling shoot-and-scoot tactics that reduce vulnerability to counter-battery fire.
Brazil’s experience with the M108 underpins the planned transfer. After acquiring more than 70 vehicles in the 1970s, Brazil operated the system for decades before replacing it with newer 155 mm self-propelled artillery. Brazilian M108s were officially retired by 2018, opening the door for redistribution to regional partners. Uruguay previously received the same platform, using it to form a new self-propelled artillery unit and retire legacy towed guns. A similar transition in Paraguay could drive doctrinal change, moving the army toward more mobile and resilient artillery operations across its land forces.
