UK and Germany Sign £52m Artillery Contract

Land January 6, 2026

The Ministry of Defence has entered into a £52 million contract with Germany to secure the RCH 155 artillery system, marking a significant step in the deepening of bilateral defence cooperation under the Trinity House Agreement.

Signed in October 2024, this landmark partnership facilitates the joint procurement of Early Capability Demonstrator (ECD) platforms, with the United Kingdom set to receive one unit while Germany receives two for comprehensive joint testing. This collaborative approach is intended to streamline procurement timelines and mitigate development costs through shared data and testing facilities, offering a more efficient route to enhancing front-line capabilities.

For the UK defence supply chain, the selection of the RCH 155—a 155mm Remote Controlled Howitzer integrated onto the Boxer 8×8 armoured vehicle—presents substantial opportunities for contractors and sub-contractors already aligned with the Boxer programme. The RCH 155 is the long-term solution for the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) requirement, succeeding the 14 Archer artillery systems currently serving as an interim replacement for the AS90 guns gifted to Ukraine.

The system’s technical specifications are highly advanced, featuring a high degree of automation that allows for operation by a two-person crew. It is capable of firing eight rounds per minute while travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h, with an operational range of 70km and a 700km refuelling cycle.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, stated that the procurement reflects critical lessons learned from modern conflict, specifically the necessity for rapid, mobile firepower to evade counter-battery fire. The project is a central component of the government’s Strategic Defence Review, which aims to leverage defence spending as a driver for national economic growth and the preservation of skilled jobs within the UK’s industrial base. By synchronising requirements with Germany, the UK ensures greater interoperability within NATO, a key requirement as global security threats continue to evolve.

This contract signals a clear trajectory for the British Army’s future artillery requirements, providing a stable outlook for industry partners. Businesses involved in sensor technology, automated systems, and heavy vehicle maintenance are particularly well-positioned to engage with this programme as it moves through the demonstrator phase. The joint testing phase will offer critical insights into the platform’s performance, ensuring that the final deployment meets the rigorous demands of modern warfare while providing high value for the UK taxpayer.

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here