Resurgence of Howitzers and Missiles: Global Defense Shifts Amidst Ukraine Conflict — M777 Production Restarts After 5 Years

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is reshaping the landscape of the global armaments industry, as demonstrated by the revival of the M777 howitzer production and the reemergence of the British Starstreak air-defense missile. The demand for heavy artillery has surged due to the intense use of such weapons by Ukraine, prompting the U.S. Army and British defense company BAE Systems to take significant steps to ramp up production of systems that were previously considered obsolete or were being phased out.

The war in Ukraine has become a proving ground for modern weaponry, revealing what works, what doesn't, and what needs to be produced in larger quantities. Artillery has emerged as the dominant weapon system — a throwback to World War I-style attrition warfare rather than the high-tech precision strikes that dominated Western military thinking for decades. The result is a dramatic realignment of defense industrial priorities.

🔧 The M777 Comeback: A Towed Howitzer for a New Era

The M777, a towed howitzer, is making a comeback after five years, driven by its effectiveness on the Ukrainian battlefield. BAE Systems announced its decision to restart the production of M777 parts, intending to refurbish the artillery deployed in Ukraine. The lightweight and easy-to-repair features of the M777 have made it a favored choice among Ukrainian artillerymen, despite some vulnerability concerns. The M777 weighs only 4,200 kg — half the weight of comparable towed howitzers — making it transportable by helicopter and easier to move in muddy conditions.

The decision to restart the production of weapons like the M777 is unusual, as weapon production lines are not frequently revived after shutting down. Cynthia R. Cook from the Center for Strategic and International Studies emphasizes the challenges involved in restarting production, including workforce training, re-engaging the supplier base, and the need for new tooling. Many of the original subcontractors have either gone out of business or moved on to other projects. Rebuilding the supply chain will take years.

However, the urgency of Ukraine's needs — and the depletion of Western artillery stockpiles — has made the revival necessary. The United States has sent over 200 M777 howitzers to Ukraine, and many have been damaged or worn out from intensive use. Restarting production will allow for replacement parts and potentially new howitzers, extending Ukraine's ability to fight.

🚀 Starstreak Missiles: British Air-Defense Resurgence

The British Starstreak air-defense missile is also seeing a resurgence after its deployment in Ukraine, highlighting the adaptability of defense industries to the evolving needs of modern warfare. Starstreak, a high-velocity missile that travels at Mach 3+, has proven effective against Russian helicopters and drones. Its unique design — three dart-like projectiles that separate from the missile body — makes it difficult to counter and highly lethal.

Thales, the manufacturer, has increased production and is exploring ways to accelerate deliveries. The UK has already sent hundreds of Starstreak missiles to Ukraine, and other nations are now expressing interest in the system. The missile's success in combat has turned it into an export success story, reversing its fortunes after years of limited sales.

Additionally, German company Rheinmetall is exploring the possibility of reopening an ammunition manufacturing facility due to increased demand for shells from Ukraine. The company is in talks with the German government to build a new factory capable of producing 200,000 artillery shells per year — a fraction of what Ukraine consumes but a significant addition to European capacity.

🏗️ Challenges in Restarting Production

The conflict in Ukraine has turned the country into a testing ground for various defense systems, with air-defense playing a pivotal role in countering the Russian air force and protecting critical infrastructure. The strategic importance of artillery, particularly towed howitzers like the M777, has been more pronounced in this conflict compared to recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where air power dominated.

However, the challenges are evident as well, with a significant number of M777 howitzers in Ukraine damaged or destroyed during the conflict. The slower mobility of towed howitzers makes them more vulnerable to counterfire, and the lightweight titanium parts of the M777 can be susceptible to shrapnel damage. Russian Lancet drones have proven particularly effective at hunting artillery systems. Ukrainian crews have learned to fire and immediately relocate, but losses remain high.

Restarting production also requires rehiring skilled workers, many of whom have retired or found other employment. BAE Systems is working with the US Army to identify retired machinists and welders who could return to work. "This is not like turning on a light switch," a BAE spokesperson said. "But we are committed to supporting Ukraine and replenishing US stocks."

🇷🇺 Russia's Strategic Shift: Iran and North Korea

In a related development, Russia's actions in the conflict have raised concerns in the U.S. about its negotiations with Iran to acquire short-range ballistic missiles. The potential acquisition of Iranian missiles could enhance Russia's ability to target Ukraine's infrastructure, adding to its recent acquisitions from North Korea. Russia has already received hundreds of North Korean ballistic missiles and is reportedly negotiating for Iranian Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar missiles, which have ranges of 300-700 km.

The U.S. officials express deep concern over Moscow's intentions, emphasizing that Russia's growing cooperation with Iran and North Korea represents a shift in its strategic orientation. This shift is observed not only in its military acquisitions but also in its diplomatic stance, diverging from past cooperation with the U.S. and other Western powers. The emerging axis of Russia, Iran, and North Korea — united by opposition to US-led global order — is a significant geopolitical development.

"This is a new reality," a senior US defense official said. "Russia is now arming itself with weapons from Iran and North Korea. That would have been unthinkable a decade ago. It reflects both Russia's desperation and the failure of our sanctions to cut off its supply lines."

🌍 The Future of Defense Production

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the dynamics of the global defense industry are evolving rapidly. The resurgence of specific weapons, coupled with geopolitical shifts and strategic realignments, highlights the complex interplay between armed conflicts and the defense sector. NATO members have committed to increasing defense spending, and many are expanding their artillery and ammunition production capacities.

European nations are investing in new factories and production lines for 155mm shells, with a goal of producing 1 million rounds per year by 2025. The US is also ramping up production, aiming to increase artillery shell output from 14,000 per month to over 70,000 by 2025. However, even these numbers may not be sufficient if the war in Ukraine continues at its current intensity.

The war has also sparked a debate about the proper balance between high-tech precision weapons and conventional artillery. While drones and missiles have proven important, the war has demonstrated that firepower still matters — and that industrial capacity is a strategic asset. Nations that can produce weapons quickly and cheaply may have an advantage in a protracted conflict. The lessons of Ukraine will shape defense procurement for a generation.

Related Coverage: For more on defense industry developments, visit Russia-Ukraine War Hub and Defense Business Section.

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