The M777 howitzer Gun may be a towed 155 mm artillery gun, manufactured by BAE Systems’ Global Combat Systems division and employed by Australia, Canada, India, and Saudi Arabia.
Titanium is the reason for its low weight compared to other artillery guns; it is often easily transported using the helicopter sling load, transport aircraft, or towed by air-braked vehicles weighing over 2.5 tonnes. this is often impossible for several guns of an equivalent category.
Features of M777 Howitzer
The M777 is usually operated by a crew of eight Troops but is often operated by less number, a crew of 5 Troops. M777 is additionally fitted with the digital preparation system, capable of firing the Excalibur projectile.
Specifications of M777 Howitzer
| Caliber | 155 mm 39 calibre |
| Weight | 4,200 kg (approx.) |
| Range | 30 km maximum & 40 Km with Excalibur munition |
| Length | Length: 10.7 mTravel: 9.5 m |
| Elevation | 0 degree to +71.7 degree |
| Rate of Fire | Normal: 2 Rounds per minuteMax: 5 Rounds per minute |
Background of Induction of M777 Howitzer
- Indian Government first announced plans to accumulate 145 howitzer guns for ₹30 billion (US$421 million), but purchase plans for M777 were overtaken when the procurement process was restarted in July 2010. the method was very long and postponed several times within the coming years.
- On 30 November 2016, India completed the deal to shop for 145 howitzers from us.
- Under this agreement, BAE Systems supplied 25 ready-built howitzers, while 120 guns were manufactured in India by Mahindra Defence Systems Limited.
- India received its first shipment comprising two howitzers in able to use condition on 18 May 2017.
- It was reported that in September 2017, the barrel of 1 of the howitzers was damaged while firing during calibration trials.
- The Indian Army also used the M777 howitzer within the Himvijay exercise in Arunachal Pradesh which involved the newly raised integrated battle groups.
- A total of seven artillery regiments are planned by Indian Army, each of 18 artillery guns. the primary regiment is predicted to be raised by the top of the year 2020 with fifteen guns come from BAE systems and three guns will come from Mahindra Defense Systems Limited of India.
M777 howitzer may be a Gamechanger for India
Indian Army is facing the challenges from two fronts, China and Pakistan, and mostly India has involved in these countries in mountain regions. Bofors, which played an important role within the Kargil war, is outdated now. And for several years the Indian Army was demanding to exchange Bofors with more modern and lethal artillery guns. Currently, M777 is best in its class and fulfils all the wants of the Indian Army.
This artillery gun brings the entire new level of increased capability to be ready to access the high mountain regions, remote areas/islands, and rapid deployment. Now Indian Army can air-lift, air-drop it, tow it, etc. Increased mobility and rapid deployment would be the foremost important benefits that the Indian Army has gained from the M777 procurement.
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