Arms trade

BAE Systems looks to sell M777s to the UAE

BAE Systems confirmed on 5 May that it is working with Emirates Defense Technology (EDT) to develop a self-propelled version of its 155 mm M777 howitzer for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces.

The confirmation came in a statement that announced it had signed a teaming agreement with EDT that "offers a platform for BAE Systems and EDT to continue developing the novel 155 mm self-propelled artillery concept, which integrates the M777 with EDT's indigenous Enigma 8x8 armoured modular fighting vehicle."

The Enigma was displayed with the turret from the Russian BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle when it was first unveiled by EDT at the IDEX show held in Abu Dhabi in February 2015, but two models were also displayed showing it armed with a M777 howitzer and the AU-220M unmanned turret that has been developed by UralVagonZavod (UVZ).