For $162 million, BAE Systems has been contracted by the US Army to manufacture the M777 main lightweight howitzer structure.
The titanium frame of the rifle, which serves as its foundation, is being manufactured by BAE in collaboration with its US and UK supply chains.
The initial work started after an indefinite contract was granted in December 2023.
The first significant constructions will be manufactured in Sheffield, UK, at BAE’s new artillery research and manufacturing site, as well as throughout the US supply chain.
Delivery will begin in 2026. Following its accomplishments in the Ukraine war, the towed gun’s maker saw a resurgence in interest.
Nations like the US, Australia, and Canada sent Ukraine approximately 200 M777s.
The small M777, which weighs just 4 tons—less than half of the current 155 mm towed guns—can be quickly towed by tactical vehicles, carried by helicopter sling-load, or transported by transport planes like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules or C-5 Galaxy.
