The joint procurement reflects deepening defence cooperation under the Trinity House agreement signed in October 2024 and is intended to speed up delivery while reducing costs for both nations. The deal is also designed to strengthen interoperability and collective defence within NATO.
RCH 155 is intended as the long-term solution to the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform requirement, replacing the short-term use of Archer artillery systems that filled the gap after AS90 guns were gifted to Ukraine. Mounted on a BOXER armoured vehicle, the system can fire up to eight rounds per minute while moving at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour and operate with a crew of just two.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said: “The British Army will soon have new artillery that can fire on the move.” He added: “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.”
Pollard also said: “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.” The contract includes shared testing data and facilities, allowing both countries to accelerate procurement timelines while delivering better value for taxpayers.
Edward Cutts, Senior Responsible Owner of Mobile Fires in the Army, said: “This joint demonstrator programme exemplifies the strength and ambition of the Trinity House Agreement.” He added: “This collaboration ensures our soldiers will be equipped with cutting-edge technology whilst strengthening the interoperability between UK and German forces that is vital to NATO’s collective defence.”
