M-68 155mm Howitzer

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	Weapon: M-68 155mm Howitzer Type: Howitzer Country of Origin: Israel Year Adopted: 1970 Caliber: 155 mm Action: Breech-Loading Cannon Overall Length (mm): 11000.0 Weight (kg): 9200.00 Effective Range (m): 23500

The Israeli M-68 155mm Howitzer was designed to meet the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) need for a mobile, reliable, and powerful artillery system during the 1960s. Developed by Soltam Systems, the M-68 was based on earlier designs and incorporated lessons learned from operational experience. It featured a 155mm caliber barrel mounted on a split-trail carriage, providing a combination of long-range firepower and ease of mobility. The system could deliver a maximum range of approximately 23 kilometers with standard ammunition and was capable of firing a variety of shells, including high-explosive and smoke rounds.

Production of the M-68 began in the late 1960s, with hundreds of units manufactured for both the IDF and export customers. The howitzer was widely adopted by the IDF and became a critical component of their artillery corps during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Its robust construction and reliable performance in harsh conditions earned it a reputation as a dependable field artillery piece. Soltam Systems also exported the M-68 to several countries, further enhancing its international footprint and establishing Israel as a significant player in artillery manufacturing.

The M-68 gained notoriety for its performance in key conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War and the Lebanon War of 1982, where it provided crucial fire support. Its ability to deliver accurate and sustained barrages played a vital role in shaping battlefield outcomes. Though eventually superseded by more advanced systems such as the Soltam ATHOS and the American M109 self-propelled howitzer, the M-68 remains an important chapter in the evolution of Israeli artillery. Its legacy lies in its combination of robust engineering and operational success, marking a milestone in the development of modern field artillery.