BAE Systems’ M777 Howitzer Production Reignited Amid Rising Demand for Lightweight 155mm Artillery Systems.

On April 15, 2025, BAE Systems announced a $162 million contract from the U.S. Army to produce major structural components for the M777 155mm lightweight towed howitzer, marking a significant step in reactivating production of the battle-proven artillery system. This initiative comes at a critical time when demand for artillery is surging due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the increasing requirements of NATO member states and allied forces worldwide.
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A BAE Systems M777 155mm lightweight towed howitzer of the U.S. Army during field operations. With its titanium construction and advanced digital fire control system, the M777 offers unmatched mobility and precision firepower. Its renewed production aims to meet rising global demand amid ongoing conflicts and NATO modernization efforts. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The new M777 howitzer contract finalizes an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) initially awarded in December 2023. Under this agreement, BAE Systems will manufacture key titanium structures that form the basis of the M777 howitzer. Production is being reestablished at BAE Systems’ new, state-of-the-art artillery manufacturing facility in Sheffield, United Kingdom, as well as through an extensive supply chain within the United States. Deliveries of these critical components are set to begin in 2026.

The revitalization of M777 production is a strategically important development in the current global security environment. The war in Ukraine has reinforced the central role of conventional artillery in modern, high-intensity warfare. As Ukrainian and Russian forces engage in prolonged artillery duels, the importance of long-range, accurate, and mobile fire support has been underscored. For the United States and its NATO allies, the ability to replenish artillery stocks quickly and maintain operational readiness is essential. Reactivating the M777 production line ensures that Western forces can meet both their current operational needs and support the growing demands from international partners.

Rebuilding industrial capacity for artillery systems like the M777 also addresses broader concerns about supply chain resilience and the ability of Western defense industries to scale up in response to crisis conditions. By investing in new facilities and reinvigorating manufacturing networks in both the UK and US, BAE Systems is helping to secure the long-term availability of vital military capabilities.

First introduced in the early 2000s, the M777 is the world's first 155mm towed howitzer to make extensive use of titanium and aluminum alloys, resulting in a dramatic reduction in weight. At approximately 4,200 kilograms, it is about half the weight of conventional 155mm towed systems such as the U.S. M198 howitzer, which weighs around 7,150 kilograms. This significant weight advantage allows the M777 to be airlifted by medium-lift helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook and C-130 Hercules, giving it unmatched strategic and tactical mobility among 155mm artillery systems.

In terms of combat performance, the M777 offers a firing range of up to 24 kilometers with standard high-explosive projectiles, and up to 40 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles or precision-guided munitions such as the M982 Excalibur. It features a digital fire control system for rapid target acquisition, networked fire missions, and GPS-guided engagement—capabilities that greatly enhance its operational effectiveness compared to older analog systems.

Unlike traditional 155mm howitzers which require heavier logistical support and longer setup times, the M777 can be rapidly deployed and readied for fire missions in under three minutes. It can also be displaced quickly, improving survivability against counter-battery fire. Its lightweight, modular design and minimal footprint make it particularly well-suited for expeditionary forces, airborne operations, and high-mobility units operating in challenging terrains.

The system’s effectiveness and versatility have made it the preferred choice for many modern armed forces. Over 1,250 M777 howitzers have been produced and are currently in service with countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, India, and several European nations. The system has seen extensive deployment in combat theaters including Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recently in support of Ukrainian forces through Western military assistance programs.

The resumption of M777 production not only supports current operators in maintaining and expanding their artillery capabilities but also strengthens the global supply chain for modern, high-performance towed artillery. With an active production line, BAE Systems can respond more quickly to new orders and offer cost efficiencies through larger-scale production, positioning the M777 as a leading solution in the 155mm artillery market.

By reinvesting in M777 155mm towed howitzer manufacturing capability, the U.S. and UK defense industries are reinforcing their commitment to maintaining battlefield superiority in conventional warfare and ensuring that NATO and allied forces retain access to a lightweight, highly mobile, and precision-capable artillery system suited to the demands of 21st-century conflicts.