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Excalibur Army MORANA

History

The Excalibur Army MORANA is a Czech 155 mm/52-caliber wheeled self-propelled gun-howitzer developed as a highly automated artillery system. It combines a modified Tatra 8×8 truck chassis with an independent armored artillery turret and an automatic ammunition loading system.

MORANA was publicly presented in 2022 as a further development of Excalibur Army's wheeled artillery concepts. Its design emphasizes automated gun operation, a small crew, rapid preparation for firing, and road mobility while retaining an armored crew compartment.

In September 2026, the Latvian government approved the acquisition of MORANA systems after evaluating competing proposals for new 155 mm wheeled self-propelled artillery. The decision replaced an earlier plan to pursue Sweden's Archer system.

Development and presentation

Excalibur Army unveiled MORANA at Eurosatory 2022. The system followed the company's DITA 155/45 mm self-propelled howitzer concept but introduced a 155 mm gun with a 52-caliber barrel. The artillery module was installed on a modified Tatra T815-7 8×8 chassis.

At its 2022 presentation, MORANA was described as being at the prototype stage. The turret and gun system were developed with involvement from ZTS Špeciál of Slovakia. Excalibur Army also proposed the independent artillery module for integration on other wheeled or tracked platforms.

The system continued to be displayed internationally, including at IDEX 2025. By this period, Excalibur Army described the standard operating crew as three personnel and emphasized the ability to conduct the principal firing sequence from inside the protected cabin.

Latvian procurement

Latvia began market research for wheeled 155 mm self-propelled howitzers in May 2024. Negotiations subsequently involved the Swedish Archer and the Czech MORANA. Latvia signed a letter of intent with Sweden in June 2025 concerning a possible purchase of 18 Archer systems, but negotiations with Excalibur Army continued.

In September 2026, Latvia approved the acquisition of MORANA. The selection considered cost, delivery schedules, operational capabilities, and participation by the Latvian defense industry. The procurement value and confirmed number of MORANA systems were not disclosed in the supplied information.

Design

Vehicle and protection

MORANA is built on a modified four-axle Tatra T815-7 8×8 chassis. The artillery turret is mounted at the rear, with its center of gravity positioned between the third and fourth axles. The vehicle was described at its 2022 presentation as approximately 13.2 m long, 3.1 m wide, and 3.55 m high in travelling configuration.

The armored cabin is separated from the artillery turret. The prototype configuration was described with Level 2 ballistic protection and Level 2a/2b mine protection, together with an overpressure system and NBC filtration. Early descriptions showed accommodation for up to four personnel, including a reserve artilleryman for manual loading. Current manufacturer information specifies a normal crew of three.

Armament

The main weapon is a 155 mm/52-caliber gun-howitzer mounted in an automated turret. The system is intended primarily for indirect fire but also has a direct-fire capability. The gun has a reported traverse sector of 60 degrees to either side of the forward axis and an elevation range from -3 degrees to +70 degrees.

The automatic loading system handles projectiles and propelling charges. The 2022 prototype configuration carried 40 rounds in the autoloader with five additional rounds and associated charges stored in the turret, giving a total carried ammunition load of 45 rounds. The reserve rounds could be transferred manually to restore the autoloader's full capacity.

MORANA can fire up to six rounds during the first minute. A sustained rate of five rounds per minute was stated for the prototype. The system also supports multiple-round simultaneous-impact firing, with a demonstrated firing solution described for five rounds against a target at 20 km.

Using a high-explosive extended-range base-bleed projectile, the stated maximum firing range is 41.5 km. Actual range depends on ammunition type.

Fire control and automation

The onboard control and diagnostic system integrates navigation, automatic gun guidance, autonomous calculation of firing data, ammunition management, and vehicle diagnostics. Automatic gun guidance allows the weapon to be laid without the crew leaving the protected cabin.

Current manufacturer data states that MORANA can be prepared for firing within approximately 40 seconds after stopping at a firing position. An earlier prototype description gave a preparation time of about 20 to 30 seconds after deployment of its hydraulic stabilizers. These figures refer to different stages or definitions of the deployment sequence.

The diagnostic system records operating data and fault conditions from selected vehicle systems. Information is displayed at crew workstations and can be transferred to a higher command level for assessment of combat readiness or logistical support. The architecture also allows integration of a customer's fire-control solution.

Mobility

The wheeled 8×8 layout is intended to provide high road mobility without the transporter requirements associated with many tracked artillery vehicles. MORANA has a stated maximum road speed of 90 km/h.

Program status

MORANA was a prototype when first presented in 2022. It subsequently remained in international exhibition and procurement activity. Latvia's September 2026 decision to acquire MORANA represents a confirmed procurement decision, although the supplied material does not establish a delivery schedule, contract value, or entry-into-service date.

Operators

Latvia: Acquisition approved by the Latvian government in September 2026. The supplied information does not confirm the final number ordered or delivery dates.

Specifications (MORANA 155 mm/52-caliber)

General characteristics

Type: Wheeled self-propelled gun-howitzer
Chassis: Modified Tatra T815-7 8×8
Crew: 3 in the current configuration
Length: Approximately 13.2 m
Width: Approximately 3.1 m
Height: Approximately 3.55 m in travelling configuration
Carried ammunition: 45 rounds

Performance

Maximum road speed: 90 km/h
Maximum stated firing range: 41.5 km with extended-range base-bleed ammunition
Preparation for firing: Approximately 40 seconds from stopping in the current manufacturer description
Maximum initial rate of fire: Up to 6 rounds in the first minute
Sustained rate of fire: 5 rounds per minute in the prototype description
MRSI capability: 5 rounds against a target at 20 km in the described firing mode