Deal with Germany sees British Army move closer to getting new RCH 155 howitzer

The Royal Artillery has moved one step closer to being equipped with the RCH 155 – its new self-propelled howitzer that is expected to be in service for decades to come.

The RCH 155 – Remote Controlled Howitzer 155mm – is a wheeled self-propelled gun developed by KNDS Deutschland, mounting a remotely controlled turret on a Boxer family chassis.

A £52m contract has been signed by the UK and Germany to create three demonstrator vehicles. One Early Capability Demonstrator will go to the UK, while the other two will go to Germany for joint testing.

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Archer out, RCH 155 in

News that the UK would be procuring the RCH 155 was announced back in April 2024, with the system chosen to become the long-term solution for the Army's Mobile Fires Platform requirement.

Soldiers currently operate 14 Archer artillery systems, which are the short-term replacement for the AS90 self-propelled guns that were given to Ukraine.

Based on the Bofors FH77 field howitzer, the Archer features a 155mm 52-calibre automated gun mounted on a 6x6 articulated hauler, offering long-range precision, rapid deployment and a protected environment for the crew.

However, the RCH 155 offers significant advantages over its Swedish counterpart.

Fire and manoeuvre

:: The RCH 155 is mounted to a Boxer chassis – the same as the Army's new mechanised infantry platform, which should simplify logistics

:: The Rheinmetall gun is capable of firing up to eight rounds per minute while moving at speeds up to 100km/h

:: Thanks to its rotating turret, it can hit targets in any direction without repositioning

:: It can travel 700km without refuelling – similar to the driving distance from Cornwall to Newcastle

:: It can be operated with only two crew members thanks to its automation

:: Unlike traditional artillery that needs to stop and set up before firing, this system shoots while on the move, making it faster and harder for adversaries to target

Lessons learned from Ukraine

Defence Readiness & Industry Minister Luke Pollard said of the RCH 155: "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 data and facilities, ensuring both nations get world-class equipment."

RCH 155 howitzers are already in use with the Ukrainian armed forces, the first having been handed over back in January.