The US Department of Defence (DoD) has awarded a $542m contract to UK-based company BAE Systems to deliver 145 M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers to the Indian Army.

The howitzers will be supplied to the Indian Army through a foreign military sale between the governments of the US and India.

BAE Systems Weapon Systems vice-president and general manager Joe Senftle said: “We look forward to working with the Indian Army and providing the only battle-proven 155mm ultra lightweight howitzer in the world.

“The M777 will give the Indian Army superior artillery capability. M777 will remain at the forefront of artillery technology well into the future through the use of technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options.”

"M777 will remain at the forefront of artillery technology well into the future."

The Indian Army will join US, Canadian and Australian forces in possessing the ultra-lightweight M777 howitzers.

Work on the contract will be carried out by the company and its suppliers across the UK, US and India, and deliveries are slated to commence in June.

Last September, BAE Systems secured a $54m contract to supply 32 units of advanced M109A5+ self-propelled howitzers to the Brazilian Army.

Image: BAE Systems will deliver 145 M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers to the Indian Army. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.