Indian Army’s newly procured M777 ultra light Howitzer guns made by US faced a setback as the barrel of one of the guns crashed during field trials in Pokharan, Rajasthan.

The incident occurred on Sunday during a routine exercise when the gun was firing Indian ammunition. Apparently, the projectile exited the barrel in multiple pieces, causing the accident, according Army sources.

“The barrel of the gun has been damaged, the extent of which is being assessed by Joint Investigation Team, which is on the site. There has been no injury to any person,” stated an Army official.

India and US had signed a ₹5,000-crore deal to buy 145 pieces of these M777 155mm/45-calibre battlefield guns from BAE Systems under the Foreign Sales Military route.

“The field firing is aimed at compilation of firing tables. Further firing for compilation of FT (firing table) shall recommence on analysis of the Joint Investigation Team,” the Army official said.

The deal to buy these guns, manufactured by BAE Systems, was signed in November last year. Under the deal while 25 will be bought off-the-shelf, 120 will be assembled in India by Mahindra at an Assembly, Integration and Test facility under the government’s ‘Make in India’ programme.

In May, India received two of these guns. It was the Army’s first artillery gun almost three decades since India bought the Bofors guns.

“BAE Systems is aware of an irregularity recorded during routine field firing of the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer gun on Saturday, September 2. We can confirm that there were no injuries and all personnel on-site are safe.

“We are working closely with the Indian Army and the US Government to explore events leading up to the incident. The company stands ready to provide assistance as required,” said a statement by BAE Systems.

The guns are expected to increase the combat capability of the Indian Army while strengthening military ties between India and US.

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