India’s defense ministry sources said that the cabinet committee on security, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, has cleared the acquisition of 145 M-777 ultra-light howitzers from the U.S. in a government-to-government deal worth $737 million.
Defense-aerospace.com reports that the deal, which has a 30% offset clause, will be inked within the next two to three weeks. “The Pentagon’s letter of offer and acceptance to India is valid till November 20, but it can be extended for another 10-15 days,” said the source.
Of the 145 M-777 howitzers, 120 will be “assembled, integrated and tested” in India by Mahindra, BAE Systems’ business partner in India. The first two howitzers will be delivered within six months of the contract being signed, and the others will follow at the rate of two per month.
