The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a $542-million contract to BAE Systems for 145 M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers, which are to be sold to the Indian Army through a Foreign Military Sale between the U.S. and Indian governments. Work on the contract will begin immediately and be performed by BAE Systems and its suppliers across the U.S., the United Kingdom, and India. Deliveries of the lightweight howitzers, which provide responsive firepower under sustained operating conditions, are scheduled to begin in June 2017.
“We look forward to working with the Indian Army and providing the only battle-proven 155-mm ultra-lightweight howitzer in the world,” said Joe Senftle, BAE Systems’ vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems. “The M777 will give the Indian Army superior artillery capability.” The versatile weapons systems provide long-range, precision-guided munitions with the flexibility needed for a modern mobile fighting force.
