Major changes from the M109A1 include a redesigned rammer and improved recoil mechanism, engine operation warning devices, a redesigned hatch and door latches, an improved hydraulic system and a bustle designed to carry an additional 22 rounds of ammunition. 

The M109A2 has the long tube M185 cannon installed in the M178 gun mount. The cab has a rear bustle rack which provides an increased ammunition stowage capacity. It has an all weather ballistic shield mounted over the panoramic telescope; counterbalanced travel lock and provisions for mounting the M140 alignment device. 

The M109A2 entered production at BMY Combat Systems in 1978, with first deliveries made early in 1979. The first production quantity of 103 vehicles was with FY77 funding. M109A2 pro 36 M109A2s were produced for the National Guard using FY82 funds.

Three external differences can be spotted:
1. In the A1 model, the sight is covered with armored "cup", held by single bar. The "cup" can be found
      either in a closed (down) position or opened (up) position. The A2 model has ballistic shield,
      surrounding the sight, with a transparent window in one of its sides. The shield can be turned 360
      degrees. The crewmen call this shield "The television".
2. Most of the A1 type vehicles have the old type of the barrel speedometer, mounted on the inner-upper
      side of the barrel. This old type is a rectangle, with a cone in its front. Most of the A2 type vehicles
      carry the advanced type, which is a rectangle without the cone (instead, it has a round pale yellow
      window in its front side.
3. In A1 models, mainly those that served for training purposes, one can spot a device in the upper side
      of the barrel, to carry the 0.5" SMG. This SMG was used for direct-line-of-sight training. This device
      is not found in neither the A2 model, or in A5 model..

1. Two sub machine guns on the Doher's turret, only one in the Rochev. The additional SMG is
      positioned near the sight ballistic shield. 
2. Electrical travel lock (known in Hebrew as "BiFoot") – in the Rochev one of the crewmen has to lock
      manually the barrel, most of the time the driver, with the assistance of the sight operator. In the
      Doher the crewmen can do it automatically, by electrical operation. The Doher's travel lock is
      thicker than the Rochev's, and has a rectangle box in its front side.
3. External Generator – the Doher is equipped with external Generator, positioned instead the right-back
      basket and its two external cells. Due to the lack of one basket, the left basket is a bit bigger (to
      contain the camouflage cover).
4. Different shape of the commander's turret – the Doher's NCO turret can be locked in slit position, a
      position that does not exist in the Rochev.
5. Different Tactical markings – the upgraded capabilities of the Doher changed in some manners the
      way the artillery battery is operated. Due to this fact, beside the different kind of V's and numbers,
      one can find also a Hebrew letter (Aleph, Beit, Gimel) markings.