{"id":120477,"date":"2026-05-14T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=120477"},"modified":"2026-05-14T09:39:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T08:39:55","slug":"british-army-next-generation-artillery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/british-army-next-generation-artillery\/","title":{"rendered":"British Army Secures Next-Generation Artillery in Landmark \u00a31BN Agreement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The British Army will acquire 72 new RCH 155<\/strong> remote-controlled howitzers under a contract worth nearly \u00a31 billion, as the government moves to restore artillery capability lost after donations to Ukraine. The procurement forms part of a broader UK-Germany defence partnership and is expected to support more than 500 jobs across Britain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First deliveries of the new systems are scheduled for 2028, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The RCH 155 will replace the AS90 artillery systems <\/strong>that Britain transferred to Ukraine in 2023, while the Archer system will remain in interim service until the new vehicles enter operational use later this decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The agreement was awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR<\/a>) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH<\/a>, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall. According to Reuters, the contract also includes training and in-service support for the vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Artillery Systems to Restore British Army Capability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The RCH 155 is mounted on a BOXER <\/strong>armoured chassis and is designed to combine mobility with long-range firepower. According to the Ministry of Defence, the system can fire eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70 kilometres away while travelling at speeds of up to 100km\/h between firing positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The automated turret allows the system to be operated by a crew of two soldiers<\/strong> from inside the vehicle compartment. British officials said the platform\u2019s mobility and automation are intended to improve battlefield survivability and operational flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defence Secretary John Healey <\/a>said the investment was intended both to strengthen NATO capability and support domestic industry. \u201cBy 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<\/em>,\u201d he said in the government\u2019s announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton<\/a>, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, described the contract <\/strong>as a major step in rebuilding Britain\u2019s artillery strength after the transfer of AS90 systems to Ukraine. He said the Army had recognised the \u201cgap in our warfighting capability<\/em>\u201d created by those donations and called the agreement \u201cthe first significant milestone in replenishing this capability<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to The Times, the 72 howitzers are considered sufficient to equip a division-sized force of roughly 25,000 troops<\/strong>. Germany is also procuring the same artillery system, reflecting wider efforts to improve interoperability between NATO allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 :Britain spend $1.35 billion to buying its army \u200b72 remote controlled RCH 155 howitzers, an artillery gun mounted on a vehicle, as part of a modernisation \u200cplan which \u2060will \u2060support over 500 jobs. pic.twitter.com\/KgcHF7DJLg<\/a><\/p>— War Flash (@WarFlash_2630) May 14, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>