BAE Systems has inked a deal with Indian PTC Industries for the indigenous manufacture of titanium castings and other key parts for the 155mm M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer.
The companies aim to produce the first complex castings sub-systems by the end of 2022 at PTC Industries’ facility in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
The agreement also plans the future manufacture of the towed gun’s major structures in India, including the saddle, cradle, and lower carriage.
“The production process at PTC Industries is being developed and qualified to deliver the long-term support for the 145 M777s we are delivering to India,” BAE Systems General Manager Duncan Stevenson said.
A huge leap towards building Aatmanirbharata with the signing of an agreement between PTC & @BAESystemsInc for indigenous manufacture of titanium castings & structures for M777 ULH Howitzer in Lucknow in the presence of Honb'le Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh at #DefExpo2022 pic.twitter.com/f3dVYltj0v
— PTC Industries (@Ptcil) October 22, 2022
M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer
The highly portable M777 howitzer has strategic mobility features that enable the gun to be frequently moved and rapidly redeployed without sacrificing accuracy and reliability.
The battle-proven 39-caliber towed artillery gun can also “strike over extended distances regardless of terrain and obstacles.”
In 2017, Delhi bought 145 of the guns for $542 million. It inducted its first M777 in November 2019, and to date, the country has inducted over half of its 145 M777s, The Hindu reported in September.
The US, Canada, and Australia also use the M777, with total orders exceeding 1,200.
‘Make in India’
The partnership between BAE and PTC Industries is expected to bolster the Indian government’s Make in India initiative seeking to “attract investments from across the globe and strengthen India’s manufacturing sector.”
“I want to tell the people of the whole world: Come, make in India,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in August 2014. “Come and manufacture in India. Go and sell in any country of the world, but manufacture here. We have skill, talent, discipline and the desire to do something.”
The production of Indian M777 howitzer titanium castings falls under defense manufacturing, one of the 25 focused sectors of the program.
BAE said the partnership could enable PTC Industries and other Indian suppliers to earn a role in the British company’s global supply chain depending on their performance.
While this will further our dream of building an #AatmanirbharBharat it will also give PTC a role in the overall @BAESystemsInc global supply chain. PTC & BAE shall be able to provide major structures to jointly support the spares and repair programme for the Indian Army. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/70DrlW2N9K
— PTC Industries (@Ptcil) October 23, 2022
