The M198 is a towed howitzer of US origin. It was developed in the 1970's to replace the World War 2 era and shorter range M114. The M198 has the benefit of having a low weight but lacks rate of fire.

The M198 uses a split trail two wheel carriage that is characterized by the heavy trails and small wheels. The 155mm L/39 ordnance is mounted in a large cradle and uses hydropneumatic recoil absorbers. During travelling the ordnance remains facing rear but for transportation and storage it can be rotated over the trails.

The M198 fires NATO standard 155mm rounds including a range developed specifically for use with the M198. The maximum range is 18.2 km with the M107 round, 22 km with the M483A1 and 30 km with the M549A1 rocket assisted projectile. The rate of fire is rather low with 4 rpm maximum and 2 rpm sustained.

Normally the prime mover for the M198 is a 6x6 truck but it can be transported underneath a Chinook heavy lift helicopter. The M198 has no APU and cannot be manhandled.

The main user of the M198 are the US army and marine corps. In the army is has been upgraded and in the marine corps it is being replaced by the M777. Large quantities have been exported to the Middle East, Asia, South America and Australia.