Potential Procurement of M777 Howitzers by Thailand
Overview
BAE Systems is advancing its proposal to deliver the M777 155 mm/39 caliber lightweight howitzer to the Royal Thai Army (RTA). This initiative was revealed during the recent Defense & Security 2025 event in Bangkok, where company representatives discussed the howitzer’s suitability for the RTA’s requirements for lightweight towed artillery.
RTA’s Artillery Modernization Needs
- Initial Procurement: The Royal Thai Army’s current solicitation indicates a modest initial requirement, likely involving the acquisition of six M777 units.
- Future Expansion: There is potential for increasing the number of units procured, depending on the evolving defense landscape and operational needs.
Ongoing Discussions
Conversations between BAE Systems and the Royal Thai Army are reportedly ongoing, following a recently issued Request for Information (RFI). The procurement is anticipated to commence in 2026.
Competitive Landscape
China is also believed to be preparing bids to fulfill the RTA’s requirements for towed lightweight howitzers. This competitive environment necessitates BAE Systems to emphasize the M777’s advantages, such as:
- Proven Performance: The M777 has been effectively deployed by multiple nations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and India, accumulating over 1,200 units in total orders.
- Strategic Capabilities: Designed to provide advanced artillery support, the M777 can replace aging systems currently in service with the RTA.
Replacement of Aging Equipment
The RTA’s RFI addresses the need to modernize its artillery capabilities, specifically targeting the replacement of antiquated 155 mm towed artillery systems. The current inventory includes:
- Approximately 32 Soltam M-71 howitzers acquired in the 1970s
- More than 100 US-made M198 howitzers, introduced into service from the early 1980s
Historical Context of M777 Development
BAE Systems developed the M777 to substitute for the older M198 howitzers, providing a more advanced and agile artillery solution. The last significant acquisition of M777 howitzers in the Asia-Pacific region was by the Indian Army, which placed an order for 145 units worth around USD 564 million.
Implications for Regional Defense
The potential sale of M777 howitzers to the RTA not only addresses Thailand’s immediate needs but also reflects broader regional trends in defense acquisitions. As nations reassess their military capabilities amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics, the modernization of artillery units will be pivotal in maintaining operational effectiveness.
Conclusion
The ongoing discussions regarding the M777’s potential sale to Thailand underscore the strategic importance of modern artillery systems in enhancing national defense capabilities. As regional players like China also vie for contracts, the outcome of this procurement could have lasting implications for defense partnerships and military readiness in Southeast Asia.
