BAE Systems has inked an initial deal with the U.S. Army, valued at up to $50 million, to resume the production of structures for its M777 lightweight howitzer.
M777 towed howitzer in Ukraine. Image credit: Головнокомандувач ЗС України / CinC AF of Ukraine via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The British defense company plans to collaborate with suppliers in the UK and the U.S. to manufacture titanium structures, with initial deliveries slated for 2025. The negotiations with the British manufacturer have been ongoing since October 2022, after the first batches of these howitzers demonstrated an exceptional performance in Ukraine.
The M777 howitzers, donated to Ukraine by Australia, Canada, and the United States, have sparked increased interest globally.
BAE Systems anticipates a continued production of M777s, citing “optimal conditions”. The restart aligns with the deployment of howitzers in ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
The manufacturer also stated that the contract opens the door for both new and current users to participate in a fresh M777 production initiative. This allows them to leverage the advantages of an active production line and benefit from economies of scale.
Written by Alius Noreika