U.S. Army Seeks New Manufacturers for 155mm Howitzer Barrels Amid Rising Demand
The demand for 155mm howitzer barrels has surged, prompting the U.S. Army to search for new manufacturing partners. As the Pentagon expresses concerns over the current production capacity, the Army has initiated a call to action for companies capable of producing these essential artillery components.
The Army’s request outlines the need for contractors to produce up to 10 barrels monthly within a three-year timeframe. This information is detailed in a Sources Sought notice, with a submission deadline set for November 23.
Prospective manufacturers are required to demonstrate their capacity to produce barrels, including the capability to apply “chrome bore coatings on a steel tube up to 30 [feet] long and up to 7,500 pounds in weight,” as specified in the notice. Companies must also provide information about the maximum length and weight of the tubes they can coat.
Further, the Army is interested in understanding companies’ boring, milling, and rifling capabilities, alongside their access to raw materials such as “steel preform production, forging, guide bore, and heat treatment.”
Contractors are asked to estimate their ability to manufacture 155mm barrels within 18 months, scaling up to 10 barrels per month over 36 months. Additionally, a cost estimate is requested for an “initial production quantity of 40 cannon tubes (broken down by caliber or indicating pricing for a combined/flexible mix),” according to the Army.
Currently, the Watervliet Arsenal in New York remains the sole U.S. facility producing large-caliber barrels for howitzers and tanks. The Arsenal’s capacity is being tested as the nation and its allies in Europe strive to enhance the production of howitzer ammunition to meet the needs of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and replenish domestic reserves.
A 2024 Pentagon budget document, cited by The War Zone, noted that Ukraine’s extensive use of M777 howitzers has created a demand for over 30 M776 tubes monthly. This document acknowledges Watervliet’s struggle to meet this demand, leading to a request for emergency funds to establish a secondary barrel manufacturing source.
The Army’s latest notice does not specify the exact number of additional manufacturers needed. However, it hints at the possibility of replacing the M777 with a system inspired by Korea’s acclaimed K9 howitzer, as reported by Defense News.
