Today, the only manufacturer of M776 barrels is Watervliet Arsenal, but its capacity is not enough.
The United States plans to organize another production of barrels for the 155-mm M777 howitzer due to the “unprecedented demand” that arose against the backdrop of the active use of this artillery by the Ukrainian army. This is stated in the budget document of the Pentagon, reports the special publication The War Zone.
Currently, the only manufacturer of M776 barrels is Watervliet Arsenal, which is owned by the American government, but its capacity is not enough to meet current needs.
The current production rate is less than 30 guns per month, which does not meet the operational needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
To solve this problem, the US Department of Defense allocated $161 million to open a new barrel production line. These funds were transferred to purchase equipment, modernize production and simplify procedures, which will allow monthly production of 10 more barrels.
The service life of howitzer barrels depends on the intensity of their use. The American M777 barrel life standard is defined as 2,500 rounds, but the Ukrainian military far exceeds it.
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As we have already written, the BAE Systems plant in Sheffield will begin production of M777 artillery howitzers as early as 2025.
Previously, BAE Systems announced its intention to first localize the repair and then manufacture of M777 artillery mounts in Ukraine.
Source: korrespondent
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