Through a new, up to $50 million agreement reached last week with the U.S. Army, BAE Systems will begin delivering M777 lightweight howitzer major structures as of 2025.
“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,” John Borton, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK, which manages the manufacture and assembly of the M777 lightweight howitzers, said. “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.”
The lightweight factor is a critical appeal of the gun, as it clocks in at half the weight of other 155mm towed howitzers. That, in turn, means it is more rapidly deployable, and it has been tapped by European, Asian and American governments. With this contract, though, production will restart in the U.K., and other countries will be able to onboard with the production initiative.
BAE noted that it will work with its supply chain in both the U.K. and the United States to produce the M777’s major titanium structures. The European company is one of the largest defense contractors on earth and one of the largest suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense.