U.S. Army is working overtime to meet Ukraine’s demand for M777 Howitzer barrels, compromising U.S. defenses
By ljdevon // 2025-01-24
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The U.S. Army is working overtime to appease Ukraine and keep the war machine humming along. The latest report finds that the U.S. Army cannot keep up pace with producing enough replacement barrels for M777 howitzers to sustain Ukraine’s relentless artillery fire against Russian forces. With Ukraine burning through barrels faster than the sole U.S. manufacturer can produce them, the Pentagon has reallocated $161 million to establish a second production source. This scramble highlights the immense strain on U.S. military resources as Ukraine’s war effort continues to test the limits of Western support. The conflict has not only exposed vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s supply chain but also raised critical questions about the U.S. military’s readiness for future high-intensity conflicts.
  • The U.S. Army is struggling to produce at least 30 new M777 howitzer barrels per month to meet Ukraine’s demand.
  • Watervliet Arsenal, the sole U.S. manufacturer, cannot keep up, prompting the Pentagon to fund a second production source.
  • Ukraine’s high-volume artillery fire has led to rapid barrel degradation, with some M777s already damaged or destroyed.
  • The U.S. military’s challenges in meeting Ukraine’s needs highlight broader concerns about industrial capacity for future conflicts.
  • Uncertainty looms over U.S. military aid to Ukraine under President Donald Trump, who has paused foreign aid for review.

Ukraine’s insatiable demands for war can no longer be met

The M777 howitzer, a lightweight 155mm towed artillery system, has become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. However, the weapon’s effectiveness comes at a cost: Its barrels wear out quickly under the strain of constant firing. The Pentagon’s recent budget document reveals that Ukraine’s artillery units are projected to require over 30 new barrels per month — a demand that far exceeds the current production capacity of Watervliet Arsenal in New York. The lifespan of an M777 barrel depends on firing rates, with high-intensity use accelerating wear and tear. Degradation of the barrel’s rifling and internal structure can reduce accuracy and range, and in extreme cases, lead to catastrophic failure. The U.S. Marine Corps experienced similar issues during the 2017 battle for Raqqa, Syria, where two M777 barrels were “burned out” in the fight against ISIS. Ukraine’s reliance on artillery has been staggering. At times, Ukrainian forces have fired up to 3,000 rounds per day, a rate that has strained not only barrel supplies but also ammunition stockpiles. The U.S. and its allies have been working to ramp up production of 155mm shells, but the barrel shortage adds another layer of complexity to Ukraine’s logistical challenges.

Broader implications for U.S. military readiness

The M777 barrel crisis is not just a Ukrainian problem — it’s a wake-up call for the U.S. military. If the U.S. struggles to meet Ukraine’s relatively modest demand, how would it fare in a high-intensity conflict against a peer adversary like China? The Pentagon’s reprogramming document highlights the need for additional industrial capacity, not only for M777 barrels but also for other large-caliber cannons. This issue is part of a larger debate about U.S. military stockpiles and industrial readiness. The Army has not ordered new M777 howitzers since 2019, and the Marine Corps has been downsizing its inventory in favor of more advanced systems like HIMARS. However, the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the enduring importance of traditional artillery in modern conflicts. “The high volume of artillery fire missions has created an unprecedented demand for M776 155mm Cannon Tubes,” the Pentagon document states, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The $161 million reallocation will fund factory improvements, production equipment, and tooling to boost output to 10 barrels per month initially. While this is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough to fully address the growing demand.

Political uncertainty and the future of U.S. aid

The M777 barrel shortage comes at a precarious time for U.S.-Ukraine relations. President Donald Trump’s recent executive order pausing all foreign aid for 90 days has cast doubt on the future of American military assistance. While the order allows for case-by-case exceptions, it has introduced uncertainty into a conflict where consistent support is critical. Trump has also expressed a desire to broker a deal between Ukraine and Russia, telling reporters, “Putin should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal.” Meanwhile, Russia has made incremental gains in eastern Ukraine, albeit at significant cost. Ukrainian forces have also launched counteroffensives, including a recent push into Russia’s Kursk region. Artillery remains a decisive factor on both sides, underscoring the importance of maintaining a steady supply of weapons and equipment. As the conflict drags on, the stakes continue to rise. Ukraine’s ability to defend itself hinges on the West’s capacity to provide not just weapons, but the means to keep them operational. The U.S. Army’s efforts to ramp up barrel production are a step forward, but they also serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of military supply chains in an era of great-power competition. In the crucible of war, resilience is not just a virtue—it is a necessity. Sources include: TWZ.com Comptroller.Defense.gov [PDF] Media.Defense.gov [PDF]
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