Indian Army gets first M-777 howitzers

The Indian Army has received the first two M-777 ultra-light howitzers, which are part of the 145-howitzer order from the US for $700 million. The Army is in the process of acquiring five different types of artillery guns under a Rs. 22,000 crore modernisation plan, the air portable 155mm/39 calibre guns, with maximum range of 30 km, being manufactured by BAE Systems. An official of the company said the guns had arrived ahead of schedule. “We continue to support the US government in integrating its weapon systems with the Indian Army’s artillery modernisation programme,” he added. Out of 145 guns, BAE will deliver 25 guns and rest will be assembled in India by Mahindra.