Welcoming the inter-governmental agreement (Foreign Military Sale) between India and the USA for the purchase of 145 M777 ultra lightweight Howitzer artillery guns, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma termed it as a ‘landmark deal’. He added this agreement marks a major step forward in the US-India Defence relationship and supports jobs in both countries.
“As major Defence partners, the US and India remain committed to enhancing military modernisation efforts and building a security partnership based on trust, transparency, and shared interests,” Verma added.
India and the US on Wednesday signed letter of Agreement and Acceptance for the guns. The agreement marks the long-stalled Army’s artillery modernisation plans, which came to a halt in the wake of Boors guns controversy in the mid 1980s.
Verma added the Indian industry will partner with the US Defence subsidiary of BAE Systems to locally assemble, integrate, and test the Howitzers, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India campaign. The M777 is a state-of-the-art, lightweight Howitzer that will provide the Indian Army with advanced capabilities. First guns will start coming in 21 months after the initial payment is made in the next five weeks.
Welcoming the news, Dr Joe Senftle, vice president and general manager for Weapon Systems at BAE Systems said, “We look forward to providing the Indian Army with the combat-proven M777. Our plan to establish a domestic assembly, integration and test facility further demonstrates our commitment to Make in India and remains a firm part of our strategy to work with the Indian Defence sector across Air, land, Sea and Security.”
According to BAE Systems India will join the US, Canadian and Australian forces in gaining the M777’s unmatched strategic and tactical mobility. The company anticipates signing a contract in the coming weeks with the US Department of Defense to supply these guns to the Indian Army.
At half the weight of other 155mm towed Howitzers, the M777 provides a rapid reaction capability and a proven pedigree that delivers decisive firepower in sustained combat conditions. With more than 1,090 M777s in service, it is the only battle-proven 155mm Ultra-lightweight Howitzer in the world, the company said in a statement.
“Earlier this year, encouraged by Modi’s call to Make in India, BAE Systems announced a plan to establish an Assembly, Integration & Testing (AIT) facility in India which will expand our global supply chain and is an integral part of the offset offer to the Government of India. The conclusion of this procurement will enable BAE Systems to make an investment of over $200 million in those Indian defence suppliers, the company said.