Soltam M-68

The M-68 was a 155 mm 33 calibre towed gun howitzer manufactured by Soltam Systems of Israel. The barrel of the M-68 is 5.18 m long and comes with a simple muzzle brake at the mouth of the barrel, the recoil mechanism of the two pneumatic cylinder jacks is positioned on the back-end of the barrel.

Design
Based on the Finnish designed 122 K 60 and 155 K 68 cannon series. It was first developed in the mid-1960s by the Finnish company Tampella Oy. Twelve Finnish cannons were built between 1970-1975, with more guns later built of later designs. These Tampella gun formed the basis for Soltam's production of the M-68 and later "Tampella series" guns. Before the 155 K 68 (Tampella), the 155HX prototype was shipped to Soltam for trials.

The first prototype was completed in 1968 for trials and evaluations by the IDF, who were satisfied with the performance of the howitzer. Subsequently, an order was placed with Soltam and a production line was initiated in 1970. The gun entered IDF service in time to serve IDF artillery corps during the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

The gun mount chassis, breech and recoil system were to see further use in the next development of this gun — the Soltam M-71, which has a slightly longer barrel (39 calibre) and a compressed air-driven rammer to ease loading.

Deployment
In addition to Israel, this weapon is also in service with Chile, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Users

 * 🇮🇱: Israel Defense Forces
 * Chilean Army
 * 🇮🇳: Indian Army
 * Philippine Army
 * Singapore Army
 * 🇹🇭: Royal Thai Army
 * Myanmar Army