Army's new M777 howitzer in trouble, barrel explodes during trials

Indian Army's latest piece of artillery – M777 ultra light weight howitzer – had met with an accident during trials at the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan.
 
Sources in the Army on Tuesday admitted that during a routine firing exercise on September 2, the barrel of one of the guns was burst.
 
While there has been no injury to anyone, a joint inspection team from the manufacturer, BAE Systems and Army is at the site to examine the gun to find out the reason behind the accident.
 
The Army received the first two M-777 guns in May. They were put to trial from June onwards to compile a “firing table” for these guns – the first new artillery for the Indian Army since the Bofors guns that came in the 1980s. The trial was to continue till September end, sources said.
 
During the firing, the ammunition exited the barrel in multiple pieces, causing the accident. The ammunition used in the guns were Indian. “The barrel of the gun has been damaged, the extent of which is being assessed by the joint investigation team,” said an official.
 
Further firing of the gun to complete the “firing table” would commence only after a report from the probe team, he said.
 
“BAE Systems is aware of an irregularity recorded during routine field firing of the M777 ultra-light howitzer gun on Saturday (September 2). We can confirm that there were no injuries and all personnel on site are safe,” said a company spokesperson.
 
“We are working closely with the Indian Army and the US government to explore the incident. The company stands ready to provide assistance as required,” she added.
 
In December 2016, India signed the $ 737 million (about 4,700 crore) deal with the USA to purchase 145 M777 howitzers from the BAE Systems in a government-to-government contract.
 
While the first 25 guns are to be imported in the next two years, the rest would be assembled at a factory at Faridabad that Mahindra set up in partnership with the BAE System. The entire order is to be executed in 54 months.
 
At half the weight of other 155mm towed howitzers, the ultra-light weight howitzers provide a rapid reaction capability. For the Indian army, the guns would be useful while in the mountain.
 
Since they can be carried by Chinook helicopters – which too India is buying from the USA – they can be quickly moved to areas close to the border.