Denmark secures purchase of 339 advanced Excalibur artillery shells

Denmark has finalized an agreement to acquire 339 M982A1 Excalibur artillery shells, which are a "full-capability, reduced-cost, mass-production" variant.

The deal, valued at approximately $121 million, includes the Excalibur rounds, Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS), Improved Platform Integration Kits (iPIK), Simple Key Loaders (SKLs), extractors, and Surface Danger Zones (SDZs). RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, will be the contractor for this transaction, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Enhanced Precision and Effectiveness

Danish experts regard the M982A1 Excalibur as a highly effective and precise weapon, ideal for targeting distant objectives with exceptional accuracy. In April 2024, during a live test at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground, the Excalibur demonstrated its precision by hitting targets nearly 50 kilometers away with a circular error probability of less than one meter.

The test, conducted using the Norwegian VIDAR version of the K9 self-propelled howitzer, highlighted the round's flexibility across various fuse modes, emphasizing its accuracy and adaptability.

International Recognition

Despite being an American product, the Excalibur has earned respect from Russian analysts for its precision and impact. Alexander Mikhailov, a Russian military analyst, praised the Excalibur for transforming conventional artillery into a highly accurate weapon with minimal collateral damage.

Another Russian expert highlighted its guidance system, which combines GPS and inertial navigation to achieve precise strikes even under challenging conditions.

Integration with Danish Artillery

Denmark’s military utilizes advanced artillery systems compatible with the M982A1 Excalibur, such as the Caesar 8×8 self-propelled howitzer. This system, now a central part of Denmark’s arsenal, fires 155mm shells like the Excalibur with high precision, aided by sophisticated fire control systems.

While Denmark previously used the M109A3DK self-propelled howitzers, the Caesar represents a significant improvement in both mobility and accuracy. The Excalibur’s ability to strike targets accurately at ranges exceeding 40 kilometers from the Caesar enhances Denmark’s long-range strike capabilities.

About the M982A1 Excalibur

The M982A1 Excalibur, developed by Raytheon and BAE Systems, is a premier precision-guided artillery shell designed to provide accurate long-range fire support. Measuring approximately 40 inches in length and 6.1 inches in diameter, it is compatible with standard 155mm artillery and features a solid-fuel rocket motor that extends its range and accuracy.

Equipped with advanced GPS and inertial measurement units (IMUs), the Excalibur ensures precise targeting and effectiveness. It can be fitted with various warheads, including high-explosive and fragmentation types, and has an operational range of about 25 miles (40 kilometers), making it a versatile asset in diverse combat scenarios.