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The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a US$162 million (AU$255.3 million) contract to provide new M777 lightweight howitzer major structures.
BAE Systems has officially restarted production of its M777 lightweight howitzer, kicking off work in collaboration with supply chain partners in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
The project, which began under an undefinitised contract action awarded in December 2023, has now been formalised and is moving into full production.
Key components, including the titanium structures that form the foundation of the weapon system, will be manufactured at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art artillery development and production facility in Sheffield, UK. Additional work will be undertaken across the US supply chain, with initial deliveries scheduled to commence 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,” said John Borton, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems’ weapons systems UK business, which oversees the assembly and manufacture of the M777.
The relaunch of the M777 production line comes at a time of growing global interest in the platform, with demand from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The revitalised manufacturing effort offers new and existing users of the howitzer access to a hot production line and associated economies of scale.
“We’re proud to support our NATO allies with the world’s only battle-proven 155mm lightweight howitzer. Our focus remains on ensuring the M777 maintains its superiority through ongoing technical upgrades, precision-guided munitions development, and enhanced mobility options.”
Weighing in at roughly half the mass of traditional 155mm towed howitzers, the M777 provides rapid deployment capability and sustained firepower, making it a critical asset in high-intensity combat operations. More than 1,250 M777 systems are currently in service with armed forces in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and India.
With its proven battlefield performance and renewed production momentum, the M777 continues to stand out as the premier lightweight artillery system for modern forces worldwide.
