BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army for M777 lightweight howitzer major structures, worth $162 million. BAE Systems has already begun work on the programme, working with its supply chain in the US and the UK to produce the titanium structures, which form the basis of the gun. The initial work started under an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA), awarded in December 2023, which has now been finalised. The first major structures will be produced at BAE Systems’ new multi-million-pound artillery development and production facility in Sheffield, UK, as well as within the US supply chain and will commence delivery in 2026.
“This contract is a major milestone in revitalising M777 production at a critical time, where the howitzers are playing a key role in operations in Europe. We are honoured to support our NATO allies by providing them with the only battle-proven 155mm lightweight howitzer in the world. We will continue to ensure the M777 remains king of artillery well into the future using technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options,” said John Borton, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK business, which manages the manufacture and assembly of the M777 lightweight howitzers.
BAE Systems has seen interest in the howitzers from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The restart of M777 production presents a unique opportunity for new and existing users of the lightweight howitzer to benefit from a hot production line and economies of scale. At half the weight of other 155mm towed howitzers, the M777 provides a rapid reaction capability and a proven pedigree that delivers decisive firepower when needed most in sustained combat conditions. With more than 1,250 M777s in service with ground forces in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and India, the M777 is the only battle-proven 155mm lightweight howitzer in the world.
The M777 howitzer is a British towed 155 mm artillery piece in the howitzer class. The M777 is manufactured by BAE Systems’ Global Combat Systems division. Prime contract management is based in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, England, UK, as well as manufacture and assembly of the titanium structures and associated recoil components. Final integration and testing of the weapon is undertaken at BAE’s facility in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, US.[10] Depending on the year, contract and systems package, the M777 has been exported with individual unit costs from US$2.025 million (in 2008) to $3.738 million (in 2017).
