First - A thank you for all your responses. I have looked until my eyes were crossed through Revell and Italeri and others and cannot find a kit M109A5 available. Even a Squadron Catalog that I have. is this a rare or discontinued kit?
Italeri used to make an M109 in 1/35 but has been discontinued. Every now and again they reissue old kits as do most other manufacturers. I have only see a few on Ebay. They seem to be quite hard to find. Hope this helps and good luck in your search.
The Paladin is the M109A6, not an M109A5. That could be why.
I think the M109A5 was going to be A2/A3 models upgraded for foreign sale. The US Army was going to the M109A6 Paladin which I think Dragon and Italeri make a kit. The A5 and A6 have the same gun.
I am sorry. That was a typo on my part. I have been using 6 in all my searches.
This is the kit you are looking for, $60 on eBay, but you can probably find it cheaper elsewhere or even later on eBay. There’s always another kit being listed…
http://cgi.ebay.com/Italeri-1-35-Paladin-S-P-Howitzer-372-/120585470430?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0
You can also look for the Revell re-boxing. It is the same with different decals and the addition of a Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher for the pintle mount as well as the M2 HMG.
Dragon never made a kit of the M109A6 Paladin. The whole M108/M109 series is/was made exclusively by Italeri.