The United Kingdom has signed a contract worth nearly £1 billion to acquire 72 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers for the British Army.
The system will replace the AS90 howitzers donated to Ukraine in 2023 and is part of Britain’s effort to modernise its artillery capability.
The contract provides for deliveries to begin in 2028, with the first vehicles intended to equip British artillery regiments later this decade. Part of the production and integration of the systems will be carried out in the United Kingdom, with expectations that the programme will support hundreds of jobs in the British defence industry.
“The success in bringing RCH 155 to contract to develop our 155 mm Close Support Artillery requirement, in collaboration with Germany, marks the first significant milestone in restoring this capability,” said the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton.
The RCH 155 is mounted on the Boxer 8×8 armoured platform and uses a 155 mm gun with an automated turret. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the system can fire up to eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70 km away.
One of the vehicle’s main features is its ability to operate with just two soldiers and fire quickly before changing position, reducing the risk of counter-attacks. The system can also reach speeds of more than 100 km/h.
“The RCH 155 will significantly increase artillery firepower, safety and flexibility. It is a vital element of modern artillery support. Together with the United Kingdom, we are showing that we take interoperability within NATO seriously and are putting it into practice,” said Defence Secretary John Healey.
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Photo: KNDS. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
