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Background   —   Future Indirect Fire Capability  (FIFC)  Project

Equipment retirements have left  gaps in CF artillery capabilities – neither self-propelled M109s nor AVGP Grizzly gun tractors were replaced. Gun mobility is now left to trucks: HLVWs for 155mm M777 and  MLVWs for 105mm C-3 and LG-1. As part of CF artillery transformation, the Mobile Artillery Vehicle System was proposed. But a 2005 Defence Review mentioned a new platform to deliver indirect fire based on the LAV III. This sounded nothing like the MAVS project.

"Gimme Shelter" –  LAV-based 105mm Systems Two self-propelled 105mm howitzers based on the LAV III are often mentioned in discussions of  CF future artillery: the GDLS/Denel-LIW LEO-105 and the United Defence V2C2. The appeal of a LAV III- based system is obvious – protection for crew and ammunition, plus mobility with commonality –  but the Future Indirect Fire System is expected to make the "best use of existing howitzer equipments". In that case, neither the LEO-105 nor V2C2 qualify.[1]

Big Tubes:  155mm for Future Indirect Fire? Another oft–discussed possibility for FIFS is a more direct M109 replacement in the form of a wheeled 155mm system. The popular objects of speculation are the truck-based Giat Caesar and Bofors FH77 Archer. BAE System's LAV- based 155mm LSPH (Lightweight SP Howitzer) seemed favoured by the former CDS,[2] others pushed for Supacat's Portee rather than an SP, and a 120mm mortar FIFS was also mentioned.

[1] To meet DND criteria, Future Indirect Fire Systems would obviously employ existing 105mm C3 or LG-1 howitzers. LEO-105 mounts the Denel G-7. The US V2C2 (Variable-Volume Chamber Cannon) is something of a hybrid which combines 105mm shells with 155mm charges. [2] This certainly fit with the Nov 2005 purchase of BAE 155mm M777 lightweight towed howitzers and CF experiences in Afghanistan. All of this demonstrates just how long the FIFC/FIFS (and the overarching Family of  Land Combat Systems projects) have been dragged out.