Britain and Germany team up to bring Boxer artillery vehicle to the battlefield

The British Army's next-generation mobile fire platform has reached a milestone in its development with the announcement of a defence agreement with Germany.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the two countries would work together to deliver the remote-controlled howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) 52-calibre wheeled artillery system, which is an artillery version of the Boxer.

"At this dangerous moment for the world, the UK and Germany are standing side by side to preserve security and prosperity at home and across our continent," said Mr Sunak.

• New 155mm artillery ammo tipped to give British Army more lethality and range
• What's a howitzer and how are they being used in Ukraine?
• First British Army units to receive Boxer vehicles revealed

Lieutenant General Dame Sharon Nesmith, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, said: "I am very proud that we have the opportunity to collaborate with Germany to develop RCH 155 as the British Army's mobile fire platform.

"It not only presents an invaluable opportunity to work alongside our vital ally Germany but also demonstrates our clear commitment to and leadership role within Nato.

"RCH 155 will provide a world-class 155mm self-propelled artillery gun system to the Royal Artillery – an excellent strategic fit with the British Army of the future."

The new RCH 155 artillery system can provide modernised capability unmatched in other artillery systems.

It has a high rate of fire of up to nine rounds per minute and possesses a powerful blend of tactical and operational mobility.

The vehicle can also deliver multiple rounds onto a target simultaneously in a 360° arc at range.