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The current production rate is less than 30 barrels per month, which does not meet the operational needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Today, the only manufacturer of M776 barrels is Watervliet Arsenal, but its capacity is insufficient.
The United States intends to organize a second source of production of barrels for 155-mm M777 howitzers due to "unprecedented demand." The latter arose against the background of the active use of this artillery by the Ukrainian army. This is stated in the Pentagon budget document, reports the specialized publication The War Zone.
Currently, the only manufacturer of M776 barrels is the Watervliet Arsenal, owned by the US government, but its capacity is insufficient to meet current demands.
The current production rate is less than 30 barrels per month, which does not meet the operational needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
To address this problem, the US Department of Defense has allocated $161 million to open a new barrel production line. These funds will be used to purchase equipment, modernize production, and simplify procedures, which will allow for an increase in monthly barrel production by 10 units.
The service life of howitzer barrels depends on the intensity of their operation. The American standard for the M777 barrel is set at 2500 rounds, but the Ukrainian military significantly exceeds it.
M777 is a towed 155 mm howitzer. It has two types of shells - conventional and rocket-propelled. Both types are in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The ammunition has a higher explosive content and is long-range.
