The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a £52 million contract with Germany to jointly develop the next generation of artillery. Under the deal, the UK will receive a cutting-edge Early Capability Demonstrator of the RCH 155 mobile howitzer system, with Germany acquiring two for a shared testing programme.
This joint procurement is a direct result of the landmark Trinity House agreement, a defence and security pact signed by the two nations in October 2024. The collaboration is designed to accelerate development, share testing data and facilities, and reduce overall costs, delivering enhanced value for taxpayers in both countries.
The RCH 155 system represents a long-term solution for the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform requirement. Mounted on a BOXER armoured vehicle, it is designed for unprecedented speed and survivability. Its key capabilities include firing up to eight rounds per minute at ranges up to 70 kilometres, engaging targets in any direction without repositioning, and rapidly moving at speeds up to 100 km/h after firing to evade counter-battery fire. The system can also travel 700 kilometres without refuelling and requires only a two-person crew due to advanced automation.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, stated the procurement is directly informed by contemporary warfare. “The British Army will soon have new artillery that can fire on the move,” he said. “This builds on lessons from Ukraine enabling our Army to hit targets 70km away and move fast away from returning fire.”
Edward Cutts, Senior Responsible Owner for Mobile Fires in the Army, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. “This joint demonstrator programme exemplifies the strength and ambition of the Trinity House Agreement,” he said. “By working hand-in-hand with Germany, we’re accelerating the delivery of world-class artillery capability more efficiently and cost-effectively.”
The contract supports the wider goals of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, aiming to foster defence industry growth and sustain skilled jobs. Crucially, it significantly strengthens military interoperability between the UK and Germany, a cornerstone of NATO’s collective defence posture in response to evolving global threats. The British Army currently operates 14 Archer artillery systems as an interim solution, following the donation of its older AS90 guns to Ukraine.
