M119 Modifications

The M119 Modifications program is a line item within the Army's Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles (W&TCV) budget, specifically focused on the modernization and sustainment of the M119A3 Towed Howitzer. The primary goal of this program is to ensure the continued operational availability and effectiveness of the M119A3, which provides direct fire support for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs). The program's objectives center on enhancing the howitzer's digital capabilities, survivability, and interoperability, particularly through targeted hardware and software upgrades.

One of the key objectives of the program is the integration of digital fire control components. This includes upgrading the legacy radio system to a modern Software Defined Radio (SDR) that supports new encryption protocols, thereby improving secure communications and battlefield interoperability. The program also funds the upgrade of the Fire Control Computer (FCC), enabling migration to a new operating system and supporting advanced software functionalities. These enhancements are essential for maintaining the howitzer's ability to execute secure and precise digital fire missions in evolving operational environments.

Another significant goal of the program is the implementation of Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) compliance initiatives, also known as M-Code compliance. These modifications are intended to ensure that the M119A3 can operate effectively in GPS-contested environments, which are increasingly common in modern conflicts. By integrating A-PNT capabilities, the howitzer will retain its ability to conduct near-precision fires and maintain the current operational tempo, even when adversaries attempt to disrupt GPS signals.

The line item also supports the installation and retrofit of modification kits to existing M119A3 howitzers. This includes both hardware and software updates that are necessary to bring older systems up to current standards. The program covers the procurement and fielding of these kits, as well as the labor and logistics required for their installation. These efforts are critical for ensuring that all deployed howitzers remain interoperable and capable of supporting Army missions.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the program will continue these modernization efforts, primarily supporting the ongoing integration of A-PNT compliance initiatives and the retrofit of previously procured hardware and software modifications. The decrease in funding from the previous year reflects the completion of the procurement of new Fire Control Computers, signaling a transition from procurement to integration and sustainment activities.

The program is justified by its role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of a key artillery platform used by both active and reserve components of the Army. In accordance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, these modifications are also necessary for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. The program ensures that the M119A3 remains a reliable and modernized asset for a variety of operational scenarios.