Unlike traditional systems that require a full crew to load, aim, and fire, Roem is operated by only two soldiers — a commander and a driver — thanks to its robotic loading mechanism and digital fire‑control suite.
By Hezy Laing
Israel’s new autonomous artillery system, Roem (also known as “Keren”), has drawn significant international attention after its first operational use against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
Developed by Elbit Systems for the IDF Artillery Corps, Roem is designed to replace the aging M109 Doher howitzer and represents one of the most advanced self‑propelled artillery platforms currently fielded.
Roem is built around a 155mm fully automated howitzer mounted on an armored truck chassis.
Unlike traditional systems that require a full crew to load, aim, and fire, Roem is operated by only two soldiers — a commander and a driver — thanks to its robotic loading mechanism and digital fire‑control suite.
The system can fire up to 8 rounds per minute, maintain continuous fire missions with minimal human intervention, and achieve rapid “shoot‑and‑scoot” capability to avoid counter‑battery fire.
According to IDF officials, Roem’s first combat deployment in early 2024 demonstrated its ability to deliver precise, high‑volume fire against Hezbollah rocket‑launching squads, observation posts, and fortified positions.
Its integration with Israel’s “Torch-X” battle management system allows real‑time coordination with drones, radar, and intelligence units, enabling near‑instantaneous target acquisition.
Analysts note that this shortens the sensor‑to‑shooter cycle from minutes to seconds — a critical advantage in the northern theater, where Hezbollah frequently relocates launchers between strikes.
Artillery shapes the modern battlefield by delivering long‑range, high‑volume fire that soldiers, tanks, and aircraft cannot sustain alone. It suppresses enemy positions, destroys infrastructure, and creates safe corridors for maneuvering forces.
While infantry and armor close in and aircraft strike selectively, artillery provides the constant, decisive pressure that enables all other operations.
Strategically, Roem represents a major leap forward for the IDF.
Its automation reduces crew exposure, increases survivability, and dramatically boosts the rate of fire compared to legacy systems. It also requires less maintenance and can operate for longer periods without resupply.
Defense experts have compared Roem favorably to the U.S. M109A7 Paladin and the German PzH 2000, noting that while those systems are heavily armored tracked platforms, Roem’s wheeled design offers greater mobility, lower operating costs, and faster deployment across Israel’s road network.
Roem’s price has also drawn attention. Each unit is estimated at $6–7 million, significantly cheaper than many Western counterparts, which can exceed $10 million per system.
This cost‑effectiveness has already sparked interest from several foreign militaries, including countries in Europe and Asia seeking modern artillery solutions that combine automation, precision, and affordability.
As the conflict with Hezbollah continues, Israeli analysts say Roem’s debut marks a turning point in the IDF’s shift toward autonomous battlefield systems — a trend that is rapidly reshaping modern warfare.
