BAE Systems Agree Deal for M777 For US Army
A limited $50 million deal has been signed between BAE Systems and the U.S. Army for an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) for the production of M777 lightweight howitzer major structures. The deal will see the restart of the production of the major M777 structures within the United States and the UK with the first structures expected to be delivered in 2025. John Barton, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK commented on the deal:
‘This restart of production of the major structures for the U.S. Army’s M777s comes at a critical time, with howitzers deployed on operations in Ukraine. The U.S., as well as Canada and Australia, has donated M777s to Ukraine. We understand that they are performing well and we are very proud of our role in supporting our allies…The M777 will remain at the forefront of artillery technology well into the future through the use of technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options.’
BAE Systems anticipate the re-initialisation of production of major components for the M777 will lead to orders for the complete guns. The British weapon manufacturer has seen an increase of interest in the 155mm howitzer from Europe, Asia, and the Americas in recent months and its new contract with the U.S. Army will see the company’s production lines be reinitiated in the UK, potentially providing interested parties with the 155mm artillery piece.
The M777 howitzer was first designed by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Armaments division in the UK in 1987, with BAE later taking over production of the howitzer.
The M777 is currently used by the Australian, Canadian, Indian, and Ukrainian militaries. BAE describes the M777 as the ‘only battle-proven lightweight howitzer in the world’. First seeing action in the Iraq war and Afghanistan with the U.S armed forces. The U.S. has donated over 100 to Ukraine since the start of the war in 2022, along with Australia and Canada.