# Army seeks more domestic makers of 155mm howitzer cannon tubes The Army wants manufacturers to describe their capacity, the equipment needed to expand it and a cost estimate for an initial batch of tubes. Published 2026-10-22 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/22/army-seeks-more-domestic-makers-of-155mm-howitzer-cannon/ The Army is seeking additional domestic manufacturers of 155mm howitzer cannon tubes through a sources-sought notice posted Oct. 21.[1] The survey covers tubes including the M284A2 for M109A6/A7 howitzers.[1] It also covers the M776 for the M777A2.[1] The search follows BAE Systems' April 8 announcement of a $146 million undefinitized contract to begin manufacturing M776 cannons.[3] BAE described that contract as establishing a second source of M776 cannons for the M777 howitzer.[3] Respondents are asked to describe the facilities, equipment and tooling needed to reach up to 10 tubes a month, regardless of caliber, within 36 months of the notice.[1] The Army also asks what production capacity could be available within 18 months of the notice.[1] It wants a not-to-exceed rough-order-of-magnitude cost estimate for an initial 40 tubes, broken down by caliber or priced as a flexible mix.[1] The material questions cover steel preform production, forging, guide bore and heat treatment, among other steps.[1] Companies are also asked to describe their own or a subcontractor's chrome bore coating capabilities for steel tubes up to 30 feet long and up to 7,500 pounds.[1] Defense News reported Pentagon concerns that the government's only plant for these barrels cannot keep up with increased artillery demand.[2] The outlet identified Watervliet Arsenal in New York as the Army's sole production site for large-caliber howitzer and tank barrels.[2] ## Why it matters For manufacturers, the opening extends to domestic capacity still in development: the Army encourages responses with prospective production timetables.[1] The survey is for planning only, not a solicitation or a government obligation.[1] ## Sources 1. SAM.gov Sources Sought notice W15QKN-27-X-1CTG, Army Contracting Command-Rock Island 2. Defense News, "US Army seeks manufacturers for 155mm howitzer barrels amid boost in demand," Oct. 22, 2026 3. BAE Systems, "BAE Systems awarded $146 million to kick-start second source production of M776 cannons for the U.S. Army"