BAE Systems to build M777 howitzer production plant in UK to meet global demand

BAE Systems has announced plans to create a new state-of-the-art artillery development and manufacturing facility in Sheffield, UK. The enterprise will focus on the production of the famous 155 mm light towed howitzer M777. This significant investment, announced on 15 November 2024, underlines the company's commitment to supporting and revitalizing Britain's critical industrial capacity while creating export opportunities.

The 94,000 sq ft facility is part of BAE Systems' wider strategy to support the UK government's efforts to strengthen its defense infrastructure. John Borton, UK Managing Director of BAE Systems' Weapon Systems Division, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying:

"We are committed to providing a long-term artillery capability for the UK that will protect, sustain and develop Britain's critical industrial capabilities, as well as providing important export opportunities.

In addition to manufacturing, the Sheffield plant will focus on advancing artillery technology to meet ongoing defense challenges, with the M777 howitzer as the cornerstone of that 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-portable weapon system capable of providing accurate and powerful artillery support. The base model, equipped with an optical fire control sight, entered service with the United States Marine Corps in 2005 and has since been adopted by many countries, including Canada, Australia, and India, due to its maneuverability and battlefield effectiveness.

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Technically, the M777 has a 39-caliber barrel capable of firing 155 mm shells. Its maximum range is 24 km with standard ammunition and 40 km with precision shells such as the M982 Excalibur. The howitzer has a constant rate of fire of 2 rounds per minute and can reach a rate of fire of up to 5 rounds per minute. Its lightweight design and advanced firepower make it perfectly adapted to modern combat scenarios.

Over the years, the M777 has evolved into more advanced variants. The M777A1 has been upgraded with a digital fire control system that includes an on-board computer, satellite GPS, inertial navigation, radio systems and digital displays for improved accuracy and operational efficiency. The M777A2 further improves the platform with a Block 1A software upgrade and an improved portable inductive artillery fuze (EPIAFS) that provides compatibility with Excalibur and other precision munitions. These updates ensure that the M777 remains the leading choice for today's military.

The M777 has proven its effectiveness in numerous conflicts around the world. In Afghanistan and Iraq, it provided coalition forces with long-range fire support and high-precision firepower against enemy strongholds, thanks to its lightweight design that allowed it to deploy in difficult terrain. More recently, the M777 has played a significant role in Ukraine, where it has become a key component of Western military assistance to counter Russian aggression.

The M777, supplied by countries such as the United States and Canada, has allowed the Ukrainian Armed Forces to engage Russian artillery, disrupt supply lines, and strike critical targets such as command centers with precision-guided munitions such as the Excalibur. Its lightweight design and mobility allow for rapid repositioning, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire. The deployment of the M777 in Ukraine highlighted its relevance in modern high-intensity warfare, where accuracy and adaptability are critical to tactical success.