India Approves BAE Systems M-777 Howitzer Deal

The Indian government has at long last approved the M-777 howitzer deal aimed at improving the eastern sector conditions along the Chinese border on Friday, according to local media reports. The Indian Ministry of Defense will purchase M-777 ultra light howitzers from the U.S through a Foreign Military Sale program nearly 27 years after the controversial sale of the howitzers from Switzerland-based AB Bofors scandalized the country. According to reports, the government will acquire 147 howitzers costing approximately USD 650 million. Developed by BAE Systems, the gun will weigh half as much as the regular 155mm howitzers and can fire up to 24.7km with unassisted rounds and 30km with rocket-assisted rounds. Once the procurement is completed, the M-777 will be deployed in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.