LONDON: British multinational arms, security and aerospace company (BAE) has announced the signing of a deal worth up to $50 million with the US army for M777 lightweight howitzer.
It said that it would restart the production of the weapon, which has been donated to Ukraine.
The British defense company added it would work with its suppliers in the UK and the US to manufacture the titanium structures, with the first deliveries planned in 2025.
It said it would start the deliveries as soon the details of the contract and its total value is finalized.
BAE Systems said many nations from Europe, Asia and the Americas have shown their interest in the M777 gun system.
The structures of the guns are made in Barrow-in-Furness in UK, with assembly and testing taking place in Hattiesburg, US.
The company said Australia, Canada and the United States have already donated the weapons to Ukraine.
John Borton, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK said that the restart of production of the major structures for the US Army’s M777s comes at a critical juncture, with howitzers deployed on operations in Ukraine.
BAE Systems further said the deal would provide an opportunity for new and existing users to join a new M777 production initiative and take advantage of the benefits of the production line.
