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More M777s, eh?
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BAE Systems received orders worth $118 million for 63 more M777 howitzers, bringing the M777 order total to 800 guns. The U.S. Department of Defense is buying 38 guns for the Marine Corps and Army, and Canada is acquiring 25 more through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program to add to the 12 it already has in service. BAE Systems also received a $3 million contract to reset 33 U.S. howitzers returning from operations in Afghanistan. Both the U.S. and Canada operate M777s in Afghanistan, providing fire support to coalition forces.

The M777 ultra-lightweight towed 155mm howitzer has an integrated digital fire control system, and can fire all existing 155mm projectiles…

This 9,700 pound howitzer saves over 6,000 pounds of weight by making extensive use of titanium and advanced aluminum alloys, allowing it to be carried by Marine Corps MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft or medium helicopters, and/or airdropped by C-130 aircraft. The gun is a joint program between the Army and Marine Corps to replace existing 155mm M198s, and performs fire support for U.S. Marine Air Ground Task Forces and U.S. Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is responsible for final integration and testing of the M777 howitzer. The prime contract management of the M777 program and manufacture and assembly of the titanium structures and associated recoil components are done at Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom. See BAE Systems release for additional information.

“M777: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Howitzer” (subscription) provides more information about the M777 program.