Video of a Ukrainian M777 towed howitzer after suffering a massive failure. The barrel is gone, and it appears that the breach block was blown through the base of the gun carriage. The M777 155mm howitzer is produced by BAE Systems and is in service with the United States, Australia, Canada, Columbia, India, Saudi Arabia, and now Ukraine. This towed system is light weight and can be put into action quickly, and it fires NATO standard munitions. The US, Canada, and Australia, all donated guns to Ukraine in 2022, with Canada pledging replacement barrels to replace any worn through firing. The M777 has proved a critical component of the Ukrainian arsenal, providing timely and accurate fires in support of offensive and defensive operations. This failure is likely due to excessive use, a testament to the intensity of combat and the degree to which Ukraine has relied upon artillery.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.