The UK has signed a £52 million contract with Germany to procure advanced mobile artillery capable of firing while on the move and hitting targets up to 70km away. The deal will see both nations acquire the RCH 155 system as part of a joint procurement programme aimed at accelerating delivery and reducing costs.
Under the agreement, the UK will receive an Early Capability Demonstrator of the RCH 155, with two systems going to Germany for joint testing. The platform is mounted on a BOXER armoured vehicle and offers a step-change in mobility and firepower for the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform programme.
The RCH 155 features automation that allows it to operate with a two-person crew, fire 8 rounds per minute, and maintain speeds of up to 100 km/h while engaging targets. The system can fire in any direction without repositioning and travel up to 700 km without refuelling.
This cooperation is part of the Trinity House agreement, signed in October 2024, which set out a framework for deeper UK-German defence collaboration. The arrangement is intended to improve interoperability between both armed forces and strengthen NATO’s collective defence posture.
For the British Army, the RCH 155 is planned as a long-term successor to existing capability. The Army is currently operating 14 Archer artillery systems as an interim replacement for the AS90s previously donated to Ukraine.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:
The British Army will soon have new artillery that can fire on the move. This builds on lessons from Ukraine enabling our Army to hit targets 70km away and move fast away from returning fire so they can fire again.
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of being able to fire rapidly and move, and it is such lessons that are informing our procurement decisions and helping us deliver on the Strategic Defence Review.
As part of the contract, the UK and Germany will share test facilities and data to speed up development and ensure value for money. The MOD says the partnership will support UK defence industry jobs and contribute to economic growth, in line with commitments made in the Strategic Defence Review.
Edward Cutts, Senior Responsible Owner of Mobile Fires, said:
This joint demonstrator programme exemplifies the strength and ambition of the Trinity House Agreement. By working hand-in-hand with Germany, we’re not only accelerating the delivery of world-class artillery capability for the British Army, but doing so more efficiently and cost-effectively than either nation could achieve alone.
The RCH 155 represents a step-change in mobile artillery – combining devastating firepower with the ability to rapidly reposition. This collaboration ensures our soldiers will be equipped with cutting-edge technology whilst strengthening the interoperability between UK and German forces that is vital to NATO’s collective defence.
The deal marks a further step in the UK’s modernisation of its land warfare capabilities and reinforces defence ties between both nations as global security pressures continue to evolve.
