BAE Systems offers to move M777 production line to India

Rahul Bedi, New Delhi - IHS Jane's Defence Industry
14 January 2015

BAE Systems has offered to transfer its entire M777 155mm/39-calibre lightweight howitzer (LWH) assembly line from the United States to India in support of the Indian Army's longstanding requirement for 145 guns.

"Encouraged by Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi's 'Make in India' call, we have developed and submitted a strengthened proposal on the M777 case [to India's Ministry of Defence]. This includes a higher degree of indigenisation on the weapon system," BAE Systems said in a statement on 15 January.

"We have included in our offer the transfer of the [M777] Assembly Integration & Test (AIT) capabilities into India," the statement added.

IHS Janes