BAE Systems has down-selected as its business partner for the proposed in-country assembly, integration and test (AIT) facility for the M777 ultra lightweight howitzer.

India and the United States are in discussions for a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 145 M777A2 LW155 howitzers for the Indian Army.

"BAE Systems looks forward to working with in the coming weeks to finalize details of this AIT facility and to negotiate the terms of its contractual arrangement", the company said in a statement.

“As a founding partner of defence manufacturing in India, BAE Systems is pleased to partner with on our offer to develop an Assembly, Integration and Test facility in India. The facility is a fundamental part of the M777 production line," Joe Senftle, Vice President & General Manager, Weapon Systems, BAE Systems Inc., said in the statement.