BAE Systems resumes production of M777 howitzers in the UK

Влад Черевко - 16 June, 01:01 AM

A new BAE Systems factory in Sheffield, UK, has officially opened, which will specialise in the production of the M777 howitzer. The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that the 8,733 square metre facility was built with the support of the UK Ministry of Defence and is the result of an investment of £25 million.

The plant is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, creating 200 new jobs and supporting over 60 companies in the manufacturing supply chain.

According to BAE Systems, the facility will enable it to increase the rate of howitzer production for new and existing customers. The plant will initially focus on producing the M777 light howitzer, with the option to expand production lines in the future.

Production of British M777 howitzers has resumed due to growing demand for this artillery system, which is actively used in combat operations, in particular in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military actively uses the M777 due to its accuracy, mobility, and ability to operate with both standard ammunition and the more accurate M982 Excalibur, which can hit targets at distances of up to 40 km.

Artillerymen of the 406th Artillery Brigade fire an M777 howitzer

406 OABr

The M777 first appeared in Ukraine in May 2022, when the US transferred the first batches of these artillery systems as part of military aid. As reported by The War Zone, the exact number of M777s received by Ukraine from the US and other countries is unknown. However, according to the Pentagon as of December 30, 2024, the US has transferred more than 200 units of 155-mm howitzers to Ukraine, including self-propelled M109s. It is also known that Canada and Australia have transferred 4 and 6 units of M777 to Ukraine, respectively.

Due to the active use of the M777 in combat, Ukraine needs at least 30 new barrels every month, as they wear out quickly. Currently, only one state-owned company in the United States produces these barrels, and it does not have time to meet the demand for Ukraine.

Earlier this year, the UK Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with BAE Systems to supply 150 British-made M777 artillery barrels to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The production of these barrels at the new plant will further meet Ukraine’s critical needs.