The British Army has placed an order for 37 Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) systems to rebuild its artillery strength following the transfer of its AS-90 fleet to Ukraine.
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) awarded a £53-million ($70-million) contract to ARTEC for long-lead production on behalf of the UK. ARTEC is a joint venture involving KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland BV.
The RCH 155 system integrates two primary elements: the Boxer armored vehicle drive module and the artillery gun module, which includes the turret and weapon system. The contract specifically covers critical components such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech, recoil system, and trunnions used to mount the weapon.
A significant portion of the contract—£30 million ($40 million)—will fund the development of Rheinmetall’s new Gun Hall in Telford. The facility is expected to generate around 100 skilled jobs and support additional employment across the UK supply chain. This investment aims to ensure domestic capability for large-caliber gun barrel production and strengthen long-term manufacturing independence.
The announcement follows a £52-million ($69-million) contract signed in December for three early capability demonstrator vehicles for joint UK-German trials, building on the Trinity House Agreement signed in October 2024.
The RCH 155 combines the automated Artillery Gun Module’s firepower with the mobility and protection of the Boxer platform. Weighing approximately 39 tons, it can fire up to eight rounds per minute while traveling at speeds of up to 100 km/h, engaging targets at distances exceeding 70 kilometers depending on ammunition. Operated by a two-person crew, the highly automated system has an operational range of about 700 kilometers.
