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The United Kingdom has awarded a nearly $1.33 billion (£1 billion) contract for the procurement of 72 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers, marking a major step in the modernization of the British Army’s artillery capabilities and deepening defense cooperation with Germany.

The contract was awarded to Artec, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall. It includes initial training and in-service support, with the first deliveries expected in 2028. British officials aim to achieve a minimum deployable capability before the end of the decade.

The acquisition falls under the Mobile Fires Platform program, which seeks to replace the aging AS-90 155mm self-propelled artillery systems that have been in service with the British Army since 1992.

The need for a replacement became more urgent after the United Kingdom donated 32 AS-90 systems to Ukraine in 2023 as part of military support efforts against Russia. The resulting capability gap was partially filled through the interim procurement of 14 Archer wheeled artillery systems.

UK-Germany Defense Cooperation

The procurement builds on the Trinity House Agreement signed between the United Kingdom and Germany in 2024, allowing both countries to jointly acquire the RCH 155 under a common arrangement.

Germany previously signed a contract worth approximately $1.4 billion for 84 RCH 155 systems in December, further reinforcing efforts to improve interoperability between NATO allies amid growing security concerns in Europe.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the system as a major improvement for artillery operations. “The RCH 155 will significantly enhance the artillery’s firepower, safety, and flexibility. It is a vital element of modern artillery support,” Pistorius said.

“Together with the United Kingdom, we are demonstrating that we take interoperability within NATO seriously and are putting it into practice,” he added.

The agreement reflects a broader trend among European NATO members seeking to modernize ground forces and strengthen collective defense capabilities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Boost for UK Defense Industry

British officials also emphasized the economic impact of the program, highlighting domestic manufacturing and job creation tied to the project.

Earlier this year, Rheinmetall received a $71 million long-lead item agreement for its large-caliber gun facility in Telford, England. The facility is expected to support around 100 jobs and will manufacture key weapon components, including the barrel, breech, recoil system, and trunnions.

The company will also use British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters. Meanwhile, KNDS UK will manufacture the Boxer drive module in Stockport, including the chassis, engine, and drivetrain, supporting another 100 skilled jobs.

The wider supply chain connected to the contract is expected to support around 300 additional jobs across the United Kingdom. UK Defense Secretary John Healey said the investment would strengthen both national security and the domestic economy.

“This major investment is defense delivering for the battlefield and for Britain’s economy. By securing next-generation artillery with Germany, not only are we rearming to strengthen NATO against growing Russian aggression, but also creating highly skilled jobs here in Britain,” Healey said.

“This is what we mean when we say defense is an engine for growth, investment in our security that powers new jobs across the country.”

RCH 155 Capabilities

Mounted on the Boxer wheeled armored vehicle chassis, the RCH 155 is designed to combine mobility, protection, and long-range firepower.

The system can travel at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and has an operational range of approximately 435 miles, giving it significant mobility on the battlefield and improving survivability against counterbattery fire.

One of its most notable features is its highly automated turret, which allows the system to be operated by only two soldiers from within a protected crew compartment.

The RCH 155 is also reportedly the world’s only turreted howitzer capable of accurately firing while moving. The system uses stabilization technology derived from main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, while an onboard computer continuously adjusts the gun’s alignment during movement.

A 360-degree vision system monitors surrounding obstacles that could affect the projectile’s trajectory. Its fully automated turret carries up to 30 pre-fuzed rounds and 144 modular charges, offering roughly 50 percent more ammunition capacity than many conventional truck-mounted artillery systems.

Weighing approximately 39 tons, the system can fire up to eight rounds per minute and engage targets at ranges exceeding 42 miles, depending on the ammunition used.

The procurement represents one of the most significant artillery modernization efforts undertaken by the British Army in recent decades, as NATO members continue investing heavily in long-range precision fires and mobile artillery systems in response to evolving threats in Europe.