Defense Acquisitions: Howitzer Program Experiencing Cost Increases and Schedule Delays

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Marine Corps' development of the 155mm lightweight howitzer, focusing on: (1) whether the program is on schedule; (2) whether costs have increased and if there is sufficient funding; (3) what the extent of design changes is and how these changes have affected system testing; and (4) what effect the exclusive production of the howitzer by a foreign contractor could have on the Marine Corps' and Army's ability to maintain the weapon following its procurement, particularly during wartime.