152 mm vs 155 mm Ammunition: What Is the Difference?
Last updated: 29 July 2026
What is the difference between 152 mm and 155 mm ammunition? Both are large-calibre field-artillery rounds, but they belong to different standards: 152 mm is the Soviet/Eastern-bloc standard, 155 mm the NATO standard. The 3 mm difference keeps them from being interchangeable.
The key difference: standard
152 mm and 155 mm are historically the artillery standards of two military blocs. 152 mm is the Soviet/Eastern-bloc calibre (e.g. the D-20 family). 155 mm is the NATO and Western calibre. The 3 mm gap seems small but prevents the rounds from being interchangeable.
| Feature | 152 mm | 155 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Origin standard | Soviet / Eastern bloc | NATO / West |
| Typical users | Operators of legacy USSR systems | NATO members and allies |
| Example systems | D-20, 2S3 Akatsiya | M777, PzH 2000, Fırtına |
| Prevalence | Regional | Global standard |
| ARCA product | 152 mm D-20 | 155 mm M107, ERFB-BB AR204 |
Why not interchangeable?
Beyond calibre, the two systems differ in propellant arrangement, fuze interface and shell geometry. Even if a 152 mm shell entered a 155 mm barrel, it could not fire safely or accurately. Armies therefore build logistics around a single calibre; changing calibre means changing the whole ammunition supply chain.
ARCA’s position
By producing both 152 mm D-20 and 155 mm ammunition, ARCA addresses both worlds — selling to NATO armies restocking 155 mm and to operators of legacy Soviet systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 152 mm and 155 mm?
Both are large-calibre artillery rounds but belong to different standards: 152 mm is the Soviet/Eastern-bloc standard, 155 mm the NATO standard. The 3 mm difference means the rounds are not interchangeable.
Are 152 mm and 155 mm interchangeable?
No. Because of the calibre difference and different propulsion systems, a 152 mm round cannot be fired from a 155 mm howitzer, or vice versa.
Which is better?
‘Better’ is relative; both perform similar roles. 155 mm is more widespread and easier to source thanks to NATO standardisation; 152 mm matters for operators of legacy Soviet systems.
Does ARCA make both?
Yes — the 152 mm D-20 and the 155 mm M107 and ERFB-BB AR204. This dual-line strategy serves both NATO and non-NATO users.
What are the D-20 and M107?
D-20 is associated with the Soviet 152 mm howitzer family; M107 is the standard NATO 155 mm high-explosive shell.
Sources
- ARCA Defense official website — Products (July 2026).
- General references on NATO and Soviet artillery standards.
Related: What is 155 mm ammunition?
