US Army phasing out M777A2 howitzers; Taiwan eyes potential acquisition

The US Army has selected the Hanwha K9MH wheeled self-propelled howitzer to replace its current M777A2 towed 155mm howitzers. While the initial procurement involves a small number of vehicles for testing and doctrine development, a full deployment could see the M777A2 phased out from Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs). Military cooperation expert Mei Fuxing notes that if the US plans to divest the M777A2, these howitzers could be made available to allies through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. Acquiring equipment through EDA is typically faster than ordering new production, as it bypasses manufacturer contracts and production lines. Furthermore, there's a possibility that these howitzers could be funded through US Foreign Military Financing (FMF), providing grants that could significantly reduce the budget for the acquiring government. Mei advises Taiwan's military to closely observe the US Army's plan and prepare for potential acquisition, ensuring they can secure the best-conditioned units along with necessary spare parts. The US Army and Marine Corps procured nearly a thousand M777 series howitzers, with a significant number of M777A2 models still in service. The M777A2 features a digital fire control system similar to the M109A6 self-propelled howitzer, reducing aiming time, and has been updated with software and an Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS) for precision munitions like the Excalibur. If the US Army fully replaces towed howitzers in its Stryker and Infantry brigades, it could divest at least 366 M777A2 howitzers, with some industry estimates suggesting up to 498. Even a partial replacement of active-duty brigades would mean divesting around 246 M777A2s, a quantity comparable to Taiwan's current 155mm howitzer inventory. Beyond cost savings and faster delivery, towed howitzers offer a logistical advantage for Taiwan's military, which has faced challenges with maintenance. Unlike self-propelled howitzers, the towed M777A2's mobility is not solely dependent on its chassis; it can be moved by various trucks, offering a practical advantage that Mei believes is often underestimated by defense policymakers.

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The US plans to phase out the M777A2. If released through the 'Excess Defense Articles' (EDA) channel for allies to purchase, delivery is usually much faster because there's no need for manufacturer contracts and production.