BAE Systems to Deliver 18 M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzers to the US Army

Editor Defence Industry

BAE Systems has received an order to provide 18 additional M777 155mm Ultra Lightweight Howitzers to the U.S. Army under a new contract from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

 

This order builds on the more than 1,000 M777 gun systems already in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, as well as logistical support contracts received from the DoD.

“This battle-proven capability leverages technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options, to make the M777 a very effective artillery technology,” said Joe Senftle, Vice President and General Manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. “This order further demonstrates a strong and collaborative working relationship between BAE Systems and the Army.”

 
U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit fire their M777 Howitzer during a fire mission in northern Syria as part of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, Mar. 24, 2017. The 11th MEU was deployed in the Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern regions and acted as a rapid response force available to conduct operations in support of U.S. Forces and allied and partner nations. More than 60 regional and international nations have joined together to enable partnered forces to defeat ISIS and restore stability and security. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer has become the benchmark for 155mm lightweight towed artillery systems, delivering superior artillery capability in the most hostile environments with unrivalled tactical and strategic mobility. The gun was initially developed for the Army and Marine Corps in the early 2000s. Later its users expanded to include a total combined international and U.S. domestic orders exceeding 1,200 guns.

Work on the contract will begin immediately with support from suppliers across the United States and United Kingdom and the BAE Systems facilities. Deliveries for these additional 18 guns are expected to commence in 2021.