U.S. Army receives first XM1776 mobile howitzer prototype

XM1776 K9 howitzer artillery modernization Mobile Tactical Cannon Hanwha Defense USA

The U.S. Army has received the first prototype of its new Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC), designated as the XM1776. The 155mm self-propelled howitzer, manufactured by Hanwha Defense USA, is intended to replace the aging M777 towed artillery systems currently used in Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.

The XM1776 is based on Hanwha’s K9 howitzer design and utilizes a wheeled, diesel-powered chassis to provide increased mobility and firepower. This allows crews to fire and relocate more rapidly to avoid detection by enemy drones or precision weapons. The Army’s acquisition of this prototype follows a contract worth up to $263 million for the procurement of up to 18 systems for rapid prototyping, testing, and soldier experimentation.

Hanwha plans to establish an integration and test facility in Opelika, Alabama, to support the program and build a domestic artillery industrial base. While initial prototypes were produced in South Korea, the long-term strategy involves manufacturing the systems within the United States.

Entities

Frank Lozano · Hanwha Aerospace · Hanwha Aerospace Co. · Hanwha Defense USA · Robert J. Mikesh Jr. · Robert Mikesh Jr. · U.S. Army · XM1776

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Mobile Tactical Cannon is intended to replace the M777 towed howitzer. www.it-boltwise.de · www.marinecorpstimes.com · www.koreatimes.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The M777 howitzer has been in service since 2005. www.marinecorpstimes.com · www.koreatimes.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The contract covers the procurement of up to 18 systems, including 6 initial prototypes. www.marinecorpstimes.com · www.koreatimes.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The Mobile Tactical Cannon is based on the South Korean K9 howitzer design. www.marinecorpstimes.com · www.koreatimes.co.kr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The new artillery systems will initially be deployed to Stryker brigade combat teams. www.koreatimes.co.kr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The company is building an integration and test site in Opelika, Alabama. www.marinecorpstimes.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The U.S. Army has received its first mobile tactical cannon prototype. www.it-boltwise.de · www.marinecorpstimes.com · www.koreatimes.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The contract with Hanwha Defense USA is worth up to approximately $263 million. www.marinecorpstimes.com · www.koreatimes.co.kr