BAE Systems has received a $146m contract to begin manufacturing M776 cannons, the primary armament for the US Army’s M777 towed 155mm howitzer.
The undefinitised contract establishes, for the first time, a second source for the cannon’s production within the US.
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The M776 barrels and associated parts were also manufactured at Watervliet Arsenal in New York.
This manufacturing initiative is aimed at accelerating the Army’s artillery acquisition and strengthening the readiness and resilience of the US defence industrial base.
BAE Systems’ Weapon Systems product line vice president Jason Casciotti said: “Our team is laser-focused on delivering top-tier capability to equip the brave men and women who defend our nation.
“By partnering with the Army to expand manufacturing capacity of M776 cannons in the US, we’re not just supporting their operational needs, we’re strengthening America’s industrial backbone and ensuring Soldiers always have the best tools for the mission.”
Operations related to the contract will primarily take place at BAE Systems’ Louisville, Kentucky facility. This site will be responsible for producing both the cannons and their critical components.
In recent years, BAE Systems has invested more than $60m in the Louisville facility and workforce to increase manufacturing capacity.
The upgrades at the site include the installation of advanced machining centres, improved heavy-lift cranes, expanded test and assembly capabilities, enhanced welding equipment, and the establishment of a welder training programme and onsite school.
The Louisville facility also has experience delivering equipment for US Navy programmes such as the Mk 45 (127mm) and Advanced Gun System (155mm) barrels.
The company has stated it will leverage its experience in producing complex defence systems to meet the Army’s requirements for the M776 programme.
