Canada Ditches the American M777 for Self-Propelled Artillery

Canada is fast-tracking efforts to swap out its aging US-made M777 howitzers for something a little more modern—and mobile.

The Swedish Archer self-propelled artillery is this writer’s favorite due to it’s automated firing and armored loading system.

The government has officially kicked off procurement for its Indirect Fires Modernization (IFM) program, a plan to upgrade its artillery arsenal with 80 to 98 self-propelled 155mm howitzers.

This move will phase out the 33 towed American M777s currently in service, while the 121 towed 105mm howitzers—the C3 and LG1 Mk II—get shuffled off to reserve units, like old warhorses sent to pasture.

A request for information (RFI) has been issued to potential suppliers, with companies like Glooscap Defense, Intermat Group SA, M2K Industrial, Tactiql, and Patriot Forge Co. throwing their hats into the ring.

The RFI remains open until April 2025, meaning there's still time for other defense firms to join the artillery arms race.

Part of this is because Canada needs to reduce its reliance on US military hardware in light of recent diplomatic friction with the US clown show. But the other part is the war in Ukraine has revealed just how vulnerable stationary artillery is in this new age of drones.

Trade War Meets Firepower: Canada’s Shift Away from US Arms

For decades, Canada has leaned heavily on US-made military hardware, benefiting from close defense ties and interoperability within NATO. But in recent years, that relationship has been getting… complicated.

With rising trade tensions and a US political climate that seems to change faster than an X trending topic, Ottawa is hedging its bets.

At the heart of this shift is a fundamental question: How much should Canada rely on US defense manufacturing when Washington’s policies could turn restrictive at any moment?

Canada’s move to explore non-US artillery options isn’t just about picking the best gear—it’s also about avoiding potential supply chain headaches.

Recent trade disputes have raised concerns that the US might limit or delay arms exports to Canada if relations sour. And let’s not forget Donald Trump’s previous threats to slap tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, both critical for defense manufacturing. If the US can restrict metal imports from its closest ally, who’s to say artillery deliveries won’t be next?

Another wildcard? The 1993 Buy American Act and other protectionist policies that Trump might try to alter into some grotesque version of America First. While Canada has historically been exempt from some of these restrictions due to defense agreements, the current administrations will almost certainly tighten the screws on military exports, forcing Canada to scramble for alternatives.

And here’s the thing, folks. If Canada isn’t spooked yet, it certainly should be. I wouldn’t want my country’s defense held hostage by MAGA – or beholden to it.