BAE Systems has received from the US Army a contract worth 142 million euros to supply the main structures for the M777 155-millimeter light howitzer. Work on the program has already begun. These are mainly titanium structures, which form the basis of the gun.
Work in this direction began back in December 2023 as part of an undefined contract action, which has now been completed. The first large structures will be manufactured at BAE Systems’ new development and production facility in Sheffield, UK. Some work is also taking place in the US supply chain. Delivery is planned from 2026.
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“This contract is an important milestone in the revival of M777 production at a critical time when the howitzers are playing a key role in operations in Europe,” said John Borton, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK, which is responsible for the manufacture and assembly of the M777 light howitzers.
BAE Systems has also received interest in the howitzers from Europe, Asia and America, as the company announced in a press release. The resumption of M777 production offers new and existing users of the light howitzer the opportunity to benefit from a combat-proven system and possible economies of scale, the press release continues.
The M777 is only half the weight of other 155-millimeter towed howitzers. In total, more than 1,250 M777s are in service with ground forces in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and India. In addition, the M777 is the only combat-proven lightweight 155-millimeter howitzer in the world.
Borton concluded by drawing attention to this fact: “We are honored to have our NATO-allies with the only combat-proven 155mm light howitzer in the world. We will continue to ensure that the M777 remains the premier class of artillery through technological innovation, the development of long-range precision guided munitions and flexible mobility options.”
Here for further news from BAE Systems and here for more news about the US armed forces.
