Taiwan to buy M777A2 howitzers.

Taiwan is set to buy a number of M777A2 howitzers to replace the older artillery guns. The plan reportedly codenamed “acute thunder clap” is part of the Ministry of National Defense’s (MND) ongoing strategy to confront and dissolve a potential amphibious assault.

Artillerymen from 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conduct M777A2 Howitzer training with precision guided munitions March 19, 2015, at Operational Base Fenty in Afghanistan. (Photo: U.S. Army / Capt. Charlie Emmons, Train Advise Assist Command-East Public Affairs)

Previous reports suggest the MND began considering upgrading its artillery after a review of the annual Han Kuang live-fire drills in 2017. The MND initially considered purchasing a suite of M777A2 and M109A6 howitzers, but after purchasing the M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, the military decided to postpone the M109A6 purchase, and instead focus on M777A2 howitzer and M982 Excalibur guided artillery shell. The M982 Excalibur shell can strike targets 40 kilometers away, extending Taiwan’s defense capability.

It is understood that the M777A2 costs around US$700,000 per unit and offers numerous strategic benefits due to its lightweight (4.2 tonnes) and ease of assembly. The M982 Excalibur shell can strike targets 40 kilometers away, extending Taiwan’s defense capability.