<p>The Army unveiled the name for its new mobile howitzer, the XM1776, in a ceremony at the annual Association of the United States Army expo on October 12, 2026.</p>
<p>The XM1776 self-propelled howitzer is developed by South Korean company Hanwha in cooperation with the U.S. It is designed to address deficiencies identified in the Army’s existing artillery systems, specifically the M777 and M109, as influenced by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.</p>
<figure><img alt="XM1776" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/IMG_3524-e1791837977675.jpeg?w=696" /></figure>
<p>During the unveiling, Hanwha Defense USA President and COO Michael Smith referenced the historical significance of the name, relating it to the Continental Army's use of mobile artillery in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War.</p>
<p>Smith noted that the XM1776 addresses three main deficiencies observed in the M777 and M109: range, survivability, and volume of fire. He emphasized that in modern battlefields, the need for rapid deployment and movement is critical due to the presence of reconnaissance and strike drones.</p>
<p>The XM1776 can deploy its stabilizers in approximately 18 seconds and is capable of firing at a rate of nine rounds per minute, which is higher than the M777 and M109. The weapon features a 58 caliber barrel that can fire rounds beyond 50 miles.</p>
<p>Smith highlighted the XM1776's unique high magazine capacity, stating that each unit can carry 40 on-board shells and can be supported by the K10 Ammunition Resupply System for automated resupply.</p>
<p>The Army has ordered six prototypes of the XM1776, with Hanwha aiming to produce 48 vehicles per year, although the Army has expressed interest in increasing that number to 96 per year.</p>