In response to the success of the M777 howitzer in Ukraine, the U.S. Army has decided to revive its production, generating widespread demand for this artillery workhorse. British defense company BAE Systems has announced its plan to restart production lines for the main structure of the weapon, signing a preliminary contract worth $50 million with the U.S. Army.

The main purpose of restarting production is to refurbish existing M777s currently in operation in Ukraine. The new parts, expected to be delivered by 2025, will assist in improving the firepower of these howitzers. The M777 howitzer has garnered significant attention, as more than eight countries have expressed their interest in purchasing this weapon, according to BAE Systems.

Ukrainian artillerymen, who have utilized the M777 in the ongoing conflict, have praised its ease of use and maintenance compared to other Western howitzer varieties. One of the key advantages of this weapon is its accuracy, while its lightweight parts allow for simple transportation across challenging terrains.

Mark Cancian, an adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former U.S. Marine Corps artillery officer, has remarked that weapons that perform exceptionally well during conflicts often generate significant foreign sales. Consequently, the decision to restart production lines for the M777 is considered a rare event.

As of December 27, the U.S. has already sent 198 M777 howitzers and over 2 million 155 mm artillery rounds to Ukraine, demonstrating the country's commitment to supporting its ally in the region.

However, the M777 howitzer does have some vulnerabilities. Due to its requirement for towing, it becomes more susceptible to targeted destruction by enemies, placing the crews in greater view of the enemy. Additionally, the lightweight titanium construction of the weapon can result in outsized damage from shrapnel.

Oryx, a team of open-source analysts documenting visual evidence of asset losses related to the Russia-Ukraine War, estimates that 77 of the Western-donated M777 howitzers have been disabled or destroyed in Ukraine.

John Borton, BAE Systems weapons chief, has expressed his satisfaction regarding the restart of production, stating that it comes at a critical time with howitzers currently deployed in Ukraine. He also mentioned that the U.S., along with Canada and Australia, has donated M777s to Ukraine, and their performance has been commendable.

The revival of M777 howitzer production by the U.S. Army highlights the significant impact and demand generated by this weapon's success in Ukraine. With more countries expressing an interest in acquiring the M777, the United States is poised to meet this growing demand and strengthen its strategic partnerships.