US and India discuss joint production of experimental M777ER howitzers with an extended range of up to 70 km
India has purchased 145 A2-level M777 artillery pieces from the US and is now discussing the joint development of extended-range howitzers. They are called the M777ER.
Here's What We Know
The issue of joint production of artillery systems was discussed in Washington by India's national security adviser Ajit Doval with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan. This was reported by Janes.
The M777 howitzer is available in several variants, including the M777A2 with Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter for use with M982 Excalibur precision-guided munitions and M1156 precision-guided kits. It can hit targets at a maximum range of 24 km, 30 km and 40 km depending on the type of ammunition.
The Extended Range version has an extended 52-gauge barrel (+1.8 meters) and weighs almost half a ton, to 4.75 tons. The M777ER will have a new fire control system and will be able to engage targets at a maximum range of 70 km.
As we mentioned, India has ordered 145 M777A2 artillery systems. BAE Systems has supplied 25 howitzers and the rest are being manufactured at India's Mahindra Defence factory. All 145 M777A2 guns will be upgraded to M777ER.
Source: Janes
