View source for Engineering:ATMOS 2000

{{Short description|Israeli 155 mm self-propelled howitzer}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = ATMOS
| image              = 2022-03-23_ATMOS.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = An ATMOS system of the Philippine Army
| origin             = Israel
| manufacturer       = Soltam Systems (now [[Company:Elbit Systems|Elbit Systems]])
| type               = Self-propelled howitzer
| is_vehicle         = yes
| is_artillery       = yes
| service            = 2001
| used_by            = 
| wars               = 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict<br>2025 Cambodian–Thai clashes<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Joe |last2=Fulton |first2=Adam |last3=Coughlan (now) |first3=Joe |last4=Fulton (earlier) |first4=Adam |title=Thailand-Cambodia border dispute live: Thailand closes border with Cambodia as death toll from fighting rises |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jul/24/thailand-cambodia-border-clashes-live-soldiers-fire-at-each-other-along-disputed-border?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6881db058f0889d810c83fc6#block-6881db058f0889d810c83fc6 |access-date=24 July 2025 |work=the Guardian |date=24 July 2025}}</ref>
<!-- Specifications -->| caliber            = [[155 mm|{{cvt|155|mm|in}}]]
| max_range          = >{{cvt|40|km|mi}} with ERFB-BB
| crew               = 2 to 6
}}

'''ATMOS''' (Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System) is a [[Engineering:155 mm|155 mm]]/52 calibre [[Engineering:Self-propelled gun|self-propelled gun]] system manufactured by Israeli military manufacturer Soltam Systems.

The system is long range, fast moving, truck mounted with high firepower and mobility, rapid deployment, short response time, operable in all terrain areas. The system is integrated with a fully computerized system, providing an automatic control, accurate navigation and target acquisition, the system is offered with various gun barrel lengths, ranging from 39 to 52 calibre, in order to meet different customer requirements.

==Overview==
The ATMOS is fitted with a 155&nbsp;mm/52 calibre ordnance which conforms to NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and is mounted on a 6 × 6 cross-country truck chassis. The breech mechanism is horizontal sliding which automatically opens to the right with a self-sealing metal obturating ring. The buffer is a hydraulic cylinder with a [[Engineering:Hydraulic recoil mechanism|hydro-pneumatic]] recuperator, and the recoil length is variable from 850 to 1,100&nbsp;mm. Two pneumatic equilibrators balance the barrel, weapon elevation and traverse are all hydraulic and computer controlled. The gun's aiming gears, load assist systems and spades are operated by a hydraulic power pack. With a 155&nbsp;mm/52 barrel, a {{Convert|41|km|mi|abbr=on}} maximum range can be achieved, using Extended Range Full-Bore - Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile,<ref>{{cite web |title=ATMOS 155mm truck-mounted howitzer for increased mobility and enhanced firing capabilities |url=http://elbitsystems.com/media/ATMOS-1.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605004635/https://elbitsystems.com/media/Atmos-Poland_4_Web.pdf |archive-date=5 June 2023 |work=Elbit Systems}}</ref> {{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} firing the NATO L15 High Explosive (HE) projectile and {{Convert|24.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} firing the older M107 HE projectile.

The ATMOS 2000 carries a total of 27 155&nbsp;mm projectiles and associated charges<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atmos 2000 155mm Self-Propelled Artillery System |url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/atmos2000/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201130421/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/atmos2000/ |archive-date=1 December 2023 |website=Army Technology}}</ref> and can be operated by a 4-man crew, consisting of two loaders positioned on either side at the rear. The system provides a rate of fire of between 4 and 9 rds/min.

==Development==
[[File:Atmos romania.jpg|right|thumb|250px|52 calibre ATROM system]]
Late in 2001, Soltam Systems released details of the latest version of its ATMOS 2000 whose existence was first revealed late in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ATMOS 2000 155 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer |url=https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/atmos_2000.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807124119/https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/atmos_2000.htm |archive-date=7 August 2023 |website=militarytoday.com}}</ref> At that time, it was also referred to as the 155&nbsp;mm Self-Propelled Wheeled Gun (SPWG). The ATMOS was developed as a private venture and is aimed mainly for export markets, although it has already been demonstrated to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Wheeled self-propelled guns are usually cheaper to procure than their more common tracked counterparts, have lower life cycle costs and are easier to operate and maintain. In addition, they also have greater strategic mobility and do not rely on Heavy Equipment Transporters (HETs). By late 2001, the system fired over 1,000 rounds, during extensive trials in Israel.

In mid-2003, an undisclosed export customer had placed a contract with the company worth USD5 million for an undisclosed batch of ATMOS 2000 systems. From late 2004 the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out extensive field tests the ATMOS 155&nbsp;mm/39 calibre system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pengelley |first=Rupert |title=Soltam offers ATMOS as mobile modular 155mm fire support solution |url=http://www.faqs.org/abstracts/Military-and-naval-science/Soltam-offers-ATMOS-as-mobile-modular-155mm-fire-support-solution.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629103317/http://www.faqs.org/abstracts/Military-and-naval-science/Soltam-offers-ATMOS-as-mobile-modular-155mm-fire-support-solution.html |archive-date=29 June 2011 |website=faqs.org}}</ref>

==Variants==
*ATROM – Romanian version that uses the same Soltam M-17 155&nbsp;mm gun on a locally developed ROMAN 26.360 DFAEG 6x6 truck chassis.<ref name="atrom">{{cite web |title=ATROM 155 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer |url=https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/atrom.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114151148/https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/atrom.htm |archive-date=14 November 2023 |access-date=16 September 2023 |work=militarytoday.com}}</ref> The system never entered production and the project was put on hold after three prototypes were built.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Modern Romanian Armour |url=https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/romanian-modern-armor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107215350/https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/romania/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |access-date=16 September 2023 |encyclopedia=tanks-encyclopedia.com}}</ref>
*[[Engineering:AHS Kryl|AHS Kryl]] – Polish version on a Jelcz 663 armoured 6×6 chassis and integrating WB Electronics "Topaz" artillery fire control system. Production was planned for 2021, but never started.
*M758 ATMG - Thai version on a [[Company:Tatra|Tatra]] armoured 6×6 chassis jointly developed by Soltam and DTI. 24 systems were in service as of 2023.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |last=Grevatt |first=Jon |date=31 August 2022 |title=Defense & Security 2022: Royal Thai Army expands artillery production |url=https://www.janes.com/amp/defense-security-2022-royal-thai-army-expands-artillery-production/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320111538/https://www.janes.com/amp/defense-security-2022-royal-thai-army-expands-artillery-production/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2 |archive-date=20 March 2023 |website=Janes}}</ref>

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:ATMOS 2000 operators.png|thumb|400px|Map of ATMOS 2000 operators in blue]]

===Current operators===

;{{ALB}}
* Albanian army Unknown amount<ref name="Albania">{{Cite web|url=https://www.voxnews.al/english/aktualitet/shqiperia-do-bleje-artileri-te-rende-nga-izraeli-topa-mortaja-dhe-dro-i104081|title=Albania to buy heavy artillery from Israel, cannons, mortars and drones (PHOTOS)|website=Vox News}}</ref>

;{{AZE}} 
* Azerbaijani Army: 6 systems<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=SIPRI Arms Transfers Database |url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status= |access-date=7 December 2013 |website=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute}}</ref> 
;{{BOT}}  
* Botswana Defence Force: 5 systems in 2018<ref>{{Cite book |first= |title=The Military Balance 2018 |date=14 February 2018 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781857439557 |edition=1st |pages=463 |language=en}}</ref>
;{{CMR}} 
* Cameroonian Army: 18 systems<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Military Balance 2010 |date=2 February 2010 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781857435573 |edition=1st |pages=298}}</ref>
;{{DNK}} 
* Royal Danish Army: 1 system - 18 systems under construction.<ref>{{cite web |author=Fiorenza |first=Nicholas |date=4 August 2023 |title=Denmark receives first ATMOS SPHs and PULS MRLs |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/denmark-receives-first-atmos-sphs-and-puls-mrls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224175958/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/denmark-receives-first-atmos-sphs-and-puls-mrls |archive-date=24 December 2023 |work=Janes}}</ref> To replace the 19 ordered units of French produced CAESAR 8x8 howitzers that has been pledged to the Ukrainian armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jørgensen |first=Lars Bach |date=26 January 2023 |title=Denmarks buys artillery system and rocket launchers from Israel |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/udland/2023-01-26-danmark-koeber-artillerisystemer-og-raketkastere-af-israel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003232756/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/udland/2023-01-26-danmark-koeber-artillerisystemer-og-raketkastere-af-israel |archive-date=3 October 2023 |website=TV2 |language=Danish}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2023 |title=Se video af nyt ildstøttesystem til Forsvaret |trans-title=See video of new fire support system for the Armed Forces |url=https://www.fmi.dk/da/nyheder/2023/se-video-af-nyt-ildstoettesystem-til-forsvaret/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929062836/https://www.fmi.dk/da/nyheder/2023/se-video-af-nyt-ildstoettesystem-til-forsvaret/ |archive-date=29 September 2023 |website=The Ministry of Defence's Materiel and Procurement Agency |language=Danish}}</ref>
;{{MDA}}
* Moldovan Armed Forces: at least one battery in use (4 firing units and support vehicles), might be more on order.
<gallery mode="packed" widths="300" heights="200">
</gallery>
;{{PHI}} 
* Philippine Army: 12 systems<ref>{{cite web |last=Mangosing |first=Francis |date=5 January 2022 |title=Israeli self-propelled howitzers delivered to PH Army |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/201590/israeli-self-propelled-howitzers-delivered-to-ph-army |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115205614/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/201590/israeli-self-propelled-howitzers-delivered-to-ph-army |archive-date=15 November 2023 |accessdate=8 January 2022 |website=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> + 12  additional systems on order <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/philippines-to-acquire-additional-12-atmos-155mm-self-propelled-howitzers-from-israel/|title=Philippines to Acquire Additional 12 ATMOS 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers from Israel|date=8 February 2025}}</ref>
;{{THA}} 
* Royal Thai Army: M758 ATMG - 24 systems + 6 systems on order<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Grevatt |first=Jon |date=4 November 2013 |title=Elbit, Thai industry collaborate on ATMOS 155 mm SP howitzer |url=http://www.janes.com/article/29460/elbit-thai-industry-collaborate-on-atmos-155-mm-sp-howitzer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109095036/http://www.janes.com/article/29460/elbit-thai-industry-collaborate-on-atmos-155-mm-sp-howitzer |archive-date=9 November 2013 |accessdate=7 November 2013 |website=Janes}}</ref>
* Royal Thai Marine Corps: M758 ATMG - 6 systems + 6 systems on order<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=14 November 2023 |title=Royal Thai Army Expands M758 Autonomous Truck-Mounted Gun (ATMG) Production |url=https://militaryleak.com/2023/11/14/royal-thai-army-expands-m758-autonomous-truck-mounted-gun-atmg-production/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114151121/https://militaryleak.com/2023/11/14/royal-thai-army-expands-m758-autonomous-truck-mounted-gun-atmg-production/ |archive-date=14 November 2023 |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=MilitaryLeak |language=en-US}}</ref>
;{{RWA}} 
* Rwandan Defence Force: at least 5 ATMOS 2000 systems<ref>{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |date=7 November 2016 |title=Rwanda exercises new ATMOS 2000 howitzers |url=http://www.janes.com/article/65338/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108132543/http://www.janes.com/article/65338/rwanda-exercises-new-atmos-2000-howitzers |archive-date=8 November 2016 |accessdate=7 November 2016 |website=Janes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 November 2017 |title=Rwanda armed forces equipped with ATMOS and PLZ-89 howitzers |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2017_global_defense_security_news_industry/rwanda_armed_forces_equipped_with_atmos_and_plz-89_howitzers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926185016/https://armyrecognition.com/november_2017_global_defense_security_news_industry/rwanda_armed_forces_equipped_with_atmos_and_plz-89_howitzers.html |archive-date=26 September 2023 |website=Army Recognition}}</ref>
;{{UGA}} 
* UPDF Land Forces: 6 systems<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |title=The Military Balance 2010 |date=2 February 2010 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781857435573 |edition=1st |pages=331}}</ref>
;{{ZAM}} 
* Zambian Army: 6 systems<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cherisey |first=Erwan de |date=22 June 2021 |title=Zambian military parades new equipment |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/zambian-military-parades-new-equipment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529211233/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/zambian-military-parades-new-equipment |archive-date=29 May 2023 |website=Janes}}</ref>

=== Future operators ===

;{{BRA}} 
* ATMOS 2000 was selected by the Brazilian Army in April 2024 for the acquisition of 36 systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bastos |first=Paulo |title=36 vehículos blindados ATMOS: el nuevo sniper de la Artillería del Ejército de Brasil |url=https://www.pucara.org/post/36-veh%C3%ADculos-blindados-atmos-el-nuevo-sniper-de-la-artiller%C3%ADa-del-ej%C3%A9rcito-de-brasil |date=29 April 2024 |website=Pucará Defensa |language=es}}</ref>
;{{COL}} 
* Colombian Army: The Colombian Army will acquire 18 units of the self-propelled howitzer developed by the Elbit Systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saumeth |first=Erich |date=3 January 2023 |title=Colombia da marcha atrás en el último minuto y opta por el Atmos en lugar del Caesar |trans-title=Colombia backs down at the last minute and opts for the Atmos instead of the Caesar |url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4126461/-colombia-da-marcha-atras-ultimo-minuto-opta-atmos-lugar-caesar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512012347/https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4126461/-colombia-da-marcha-atras-ultimo-minuto-opta-atmos-lugar-caesar |archive-date=12 May 2023 |access-date=4 January 2023 |website=Infodefensa |language=es}}</ref>
;{{mar}}
* Morocco chose to buy 36 units following technical difficulties with French CAESAR systems<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2025/02/164755/morocco-opts-for-israeli-atmos-2000-artillery-abandons-french-caesar-system/|title=Morocco Opts for Israeli Atmos 2000 Artillery, Abandons French Caesar System|first=Adil|last=Faouzi|date=8 February 2025}}</ref>

=== Potential operators ===

;{{ROU}} 
* Of the five self-propelled artillery battalions, three are to be [[Engineering:Continuous track|tracked]] and two are to be wheeled.<ref name="ATMOS">{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/masina-de-lupta-ascod-si-obuzierul-pe-roti-atmos-pot-ajunge-in-romania-via-automecanica-moreni-parteneriatele-urmeaza-sa-fie-parafate_625330.html|title=Mașina de luptă ASCOD și obuzierul pe roți ATMOS pot ajunge în România via Automecanica Moreni. Parteneriatele urmează să fie parafate|language=ro|date=31 October 2023}}</ref> According to Gen. Incicaș, the chief of the General Directorate for Armaments, the wheeled battalions are intended for the ''Vânători de munte'', while the tracked battalions are intended for the heavy infantry units and the 282nd Armored Brigade.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Podcasturile Observatorul militar, ep.31, invitat general-lt. dr. ing. Teodor Incicaș |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ky-0c8iYg |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |publisher=Studioul Multimedia - Observatorul militar |language=ro |format=video |date=4 September 2023 |time=31:55}}</ref> As of 2023, Elbit Systems is confirmed to participate with the ATMOS system in the contract bid.<ref name="ATMOS"/>
;{{BUL}}
* ATMOS is one of the favourites to win The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence's contract for new [[Engineering:155 mm caliber|155 mm]] [[Engineering:Self-propelled artillery|Self-propelled howitzer]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ангелов |first=Георги А. |date=12 September 2023 |title=Ракети, радари, бронирани машини. Как България се разбърза да превъоръжи армията заради агресията на Русия |trans-title=Missiles, radars, armored vehicles. How Bulgaria hastened to rearm the army because of Russia's aggression |url=https://www.svobodnaevropa.bg/a/32585458.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201221025/http://www.svobodnaevropa.bg/a/32585458.html |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=Свободна Европа |language=bg}}</ref>

=== Evaluation only ===
;{{POL}}  
* The Polish Land Forces planned but never ordered the [[Engineering:AHS Kryl|AHS Kryl]] 155mm Howitzer, a domestically made version of the ATMOS 2000<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dombe |first=Ami Rojkes |date=10 March 2016 |title=The Polish Army Will Receive Self-Propelled Howitzer Based on Elbit's ATMOS |url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/polish-army-will-receive-self-propelled-howitzer-based-elbits-atmos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416031050/https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/polish-army-will-receive-self-propelled-howitzer-based-elbits-atmos |archive-date=16 April 2023 |website=Israel Defense}}</ref>
;{{ROU}} 
* ATROM variant prototypes only, the system never entered production.<ref name="atrom"/>
;{{USA}}
* The US Army is interested in a more mobile artillery platforms. Some "Mobile Howitzer Trials and Shoot-Off" had been occurring in 2021.<ref name="UK eyes US mobile howitzer shoot-off">{{Cite web |last=Lye |first=Harry |date=19 May 2021 |title=UK eyes US mobile howitzer shoot-off to inform Mobile Fires Platform |url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/uk-eyes-us-mobile-howitzer-shoot-off-to-inform-mobile-fires-platform/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002155128/https://www.army-technology.com/news/uk-eyes-us-mobile-howitzer-shoot-off-to-inform-mobile-fires-platform/ |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=Army Technology |language=en-US}}</ref> The systems tested were the CAESAR, the ATMOS 2000, the Archer and the [[Engineering:Nora B-52|Nora B-52]]. The Army was impressed by the Archer,<ref>{{cite web |date=11 October 2021 |title=BAE Systems' 155mm ARCHER successfully completes U.S. Army's shoot-off evaluation |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-155mm-archer-successfully-completes-us-armys-shoot-off-evaluation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415015143/https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-155mm-archer-successfully-completes-us-armys-shoot-off-evaluation |archive-date=15 April 2023 |work=BAE Systems}}</ref> also very positive with the CAESAR.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lagneau |first=Laurent |date=19 January 2022 |title=Artillerie : Le CAESAr du français Nexter se distingue aux États-Unis en tirant des obus "Excalibur" |url=https://www.opex360.com/2022/01/19/artillerie-le-caesar-du-francais-nexter-se-distingue-aux-etats-unis-en-tirant-des-obus-excalibur/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419043024/https://www.opex360.com/2022/01/19/artillerie-le-caesar-du-francais-nexter-se-distingue-aux-etats-unis-en-tirant-des-obus-excalibur/ |archive-date=19 April 2023 |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=Zone Militaire |language=fr-FR}}</ref> But not much has filtered about potentially ordering one of these systems. As some M777 howitzers were donated to Ukraine, it is certainly possible that the Army would consider a truck mounted variant to compensate as a gap filler to cover the donated howitzers. But ultimately decided to not move forward with the decision.

==See also==
<!-- Add only similar WHEELED systems! Compare armoured systems only with similar armoured systems and nothing else! -->
*{{Annotated link|SIGMA 155}} of the same company and family
*{{annotated link|Engineering:2S22 Bohdana}}
*{{annotated link|Engineering:152mm SpGH DANA|DANA}}
*{{annotated link|Engineering:Nora B-52}}
*{{annotated link|Engineering:PCL-181}}
*{{annotated link|Engineering:Type 19 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer}} 

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150518080412/http://elbitsystems.com/Elbitmain/files/ATMOS.pdf ATMOS brochure on Elbit Systems web site]

;Video
*{{youTube|KlLu2rf4iNM|Video of ATMOS}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Atmos 2000}}
[[Category:Six-wheeled vehicles]]

{{Sourceattribution|ATMOS 2000}}