M777: BAE to increase M776 barrel production

BAE Systems is set to increase M776 barrel production for the M777 howitzer. It appears that the US Army is doubling down on the design, including options to dramatically extend its range.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on April 10, 2026.

BAE Systems is set to establish a second production facility for the 155 mm M776 barrel used by the M777 howitzer. Under a $146 million contract announced on April 8, the company will build the production line at its Louisville, Kentucky facility.

The M776 barrels for the M777 have historically been manufactured at the Watervliet Arsenal. Watervliet is part of the US Army’s Organic Industrial Base. This means it is staffed by Department of the Army civilians and commanded by active-duty Army officers.

The second site at the BAE facility will increase production, speeding up delivery of the M777. And it will also improve supply chain resilience, giving an alternative provider for high-wear components.

BAE has recently re-established artillery production in the UK. This includes facilities that will manufacture the structures for the M777s. A $162 million (£124 million) contract was awarded by the US Army in April 2025, which enabled production to recommence.

Designed to be lighter than a regular towed howitzer, but still deliver plenty of firepower, the M777 is well-suited to operations in the Indo-Pacific. It can be carried by larger helicopters, towed by trucks, and deployed into difficult, even mountainous terrain.

Calibre comment: The M777 and long-range strike

Much of the US Army’s focus is on building distributed lethality. It is working on the concept of how it fights in the Indo-Pacific, with thousands of kilometres to cover. This likely means it will find its forces spread out, trying to achieve effects over longer ranges than ever. The M777 is punchy as far as howitzers go, despite its relatively short barrel length. It can send an Excalibur guided round out to 40 km or more, which is significant reach.

However, the US forces are exploring several M777 long-range munitions to maintain overmatch in contested environments. According to a series of press releases and industry briefings throughout 2025, companies like Tiberius Aerospace and General Atomics are testing rounds that can reach distances between 120 km and 150 km.

Tiberius Aerospace has developed the Sceptre, a 155 mm liquid-fuelled ramjet-powered round with a range of 150 km. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems is advancing its Long-Range Manoeuvring Projectile (LRMP). Unlike the ramjet-powered Sceptre, the LRMP is a sub-calibre glide munition. It features deployable wings that allow it to glide to targets at ranges exceeding 120 km.

If realised, these projects would significantly expand the reach of the M777, giving US forces additional strike options. As always, however, the efficacy would depend on the quality of the supporting ISTAR.