BAE Systems to Build UK Facility for M777 Howitzer Production to Meet Global Demand.

BAE Systems has announced plans to establish a new state-of-the-art artillery development and production facility in Sheffield, UK. The facility will focus on the manufacturing of the renowned M777 155mm lightweight towed howitzer. This significant investment, revealed on November 15, 2024, underscores the company’s commitment to sustaining and revitalizing critical British industrial capabilities while creating opportunities for exports.
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BAE Systems' new state-of-the-art artillery development and production facility in Sheffield, UK, will be dedicated to manufacturing the renowned 155mm M777 lightweight howitzer, marking a significant investment in British defense capabilities. (Picture source: BAE Systems, U.S. DoD)

The facility covers 94,000 square feet and is part of BAE Systems’ broader strategy to support the UK government’s efforts to bolster its defense infrastructure. John Borton, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Weapon Systems UK business, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating: “We aim to deliver long-term artillery capabilities for the UK, which will safeguard, sustain, and grow a critical, specialized British industrial capability as well as provide important opportunities for exports.” Beyond manufacturing, the Sheffield facility will focus on advancing artillery technology to meet evolving defense challenges, with the M777 howitzer as a cornerstone of this effort.

The M777 155mm lightweight towed howitzer is a versatile and highly mobile artillery system developed by BAE Systems to replace the aging M198 howitzer. Development began in the late 1990s with the intention of creating a lightweight, air-transportable weapon system capable of delivering precise and powerful artillery support. The base model, featuring a manual Optical Fire Control sighting system, entered service with the United States Marine Corps in 2005 and has since been adopted by numerous nations, including Canada, Australia, and India, for its battlefield agility and effectiveness.

Technically, the M777 features a 39-caliber barrel capable of firing 155mm shells. Its maximum range is 24 km with standard ammunition and 40 km when using precision-guided rounds like the M982 Excalibur. The howitzer has a sustained rate of fire of 2 rounds per minute and can achieve a burst rate of up to 5 rounds per minute. Its lightweight construction and advanced firepower make it highly adaptable to modern combat scenarios.

Over the years, the M777 has evolved into more advanced variants. The M777A1 introduced Digital Fire Control upgrades, integrating an onboard computer, satellite GPS, inertial navigation, radio systems, and digital displays for greater accuracy and operational efficiency. The M777A2 further enhanced the platform with a Block 1A software upgrade and an Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS), enabling compatibility with Excalibur and other precision-guided munitions. These updates have ensured the M777 remains a leading choice for modern militaries.

The M777 has demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous conflicts worldwide. In Afghanistan and Iraq, it provided coalition forces with long-range fire support and high accuracy against fortified enemy positions, with its lightweight design enabling deployment in challenging terrain. Recently, the M777 has been instrumental in Ukraine, where it has become a key component of Western military aid to counter Russian aggression.

Supplied by nations such as the United States and Canada, the M777 has allowed Ukrainian forces to engage Russian artillery, disrupt supply lines, and strike high-value targets such as command centers with precision-guided munitions like the Excalibur. Its lightweight design and mobility enable rapid repositioning, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire. The M777’s deployment in Ukraine has underscored its relevance in high-intensity, modern warfare, where precision and adaptability are critical to tactical success.

The Sheffield facility is also poised to play a crucial role in workforce development. By fostering a highly skilled and adaptable labor force, the facility aligns with the UK’s focus on strengthening its defense sector and building expertise in key military technologies. John Borton emphasized the broader impact of this investment, noting: “As we continue to grow our business to meet our customers’ evolving requirements, this significant investment will help us develop a highly-skilled and adaptable workforce as an important part of the national defense infrastructure.”

This initiative reinforces the UK’s defense industrial base and positions the country as a key player in the global defense market. BAE Systems aims to enhance the UK’s artillery capabilities with the Sheffield facility while contributing to economic growth through export opportunities and job creation. The new plant will be vital in advancing the UK’s defense objectives, ensuring its relevance on both domestic and international fronts.