India has signed final contrat to acquire 145 M777A2 155mm towed howitzers from BAE Systems 10212161

Defence & Security News - India
 
India has signed final contrat to acquire 145 M777A2 155mm towed howitzers from BAE Systems
On Wednesday, November 30, 2016, the Indian government has signed the final contract to acquire 145 M777A2 LW155 155mm ultralight howitzer artillery pieces from the United States. This contract was awarded to the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems.
     
On Wednesday, November 30, 2016, the Indian government has signed the final contract to acquire 145 M777A2 LW155 155mm ultralight howitzer artillery pieces from the United States. This contract was awarded to the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems. Pfc. Jhamori Samuel, assigned to Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division of U.S. army, pulls the lanyard of a M777A2 howitzer during a live-fire exercise at Dona Ana Range, N.M., Aug. 28.
     
BAE Systems is partnering with Indian private sector defense company Mahindra Defence Systems for the assembly of 120 ultralight howitzers, while the remaining 25 guns will be supplied within the next three years. According to the terms of the contract, BAE Systems will be setting up an assembly integration and test facility in India, in collaboration with Mahindra Defence Systems.

Over the next 15 years the Indian Army hopes to acquire a total of 220 ultralight howitzers.

The first version of the M777 has been developed by BAE Systems Land Systems (RO Defence, formerly the Armaments Group of Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd) at Barrow-in-Furness.

The M777 is an ultra light howitzer designed and manufactured by BAE Systems. M777 is a 155mm 39 calibre towed gun which, through proven technology and the innovative use of titanium and aluminium alloys, meets the requirement for rapidly deployable and accurate artillery fire support. The maximum firing range is 24.7km with unassisted rounds and 30km with rocket-assisted rounds.

The M777A2 is an improved version incorporating a software update that enables the howitzer to program and fire the M982 Excalibur Guided Projectile at ranges of 40 km with a Circular Error Probable of 10 meters. The M777A2 howitzer was cleared for service in July 2007.