India finally approves M777 buy
India finally cleared the sale of 145 BAE Systems M777 lightweight howitzers on 25 June, capping an acquisition that started an agonising ten years ago. At the same time, it approved the production of 18 locally produced Dhanush towed howitzers.
The decision came during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), where a US letter of acceptance (LoA) for the M777 155mm 39-calibre artillery pieces was approved.
This paves the way for the Indian Army to receive its first new artillery pieces in three decades, with memory of the 1987 Bofors scandal plaguing every acquisition effort since then.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems]()
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.
-
![Company formed to lead Franco-German main battle tank replacement]()
Company formed to lead Franco-German main battle tank replacement
Launched at the initiative of the French and German governments, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project aims to replace the German Leopard 2 and French Leclerc main battle tanks with a multi-platform ground combat system by 2040.
-
![British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system]()
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
![US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco]()
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
