As part of efforts to increase the British Army’s firepower capacity, OCCAR ( (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) has awarded a £53 million contract to ARTEC GmbH on behalf of the British Army. The contract is for the long-term production of thirty-seven weapon systems, specifically the Remote Controlled Howitzer known as RCH 155. Alongside this announcement, new investments are planned for Rheinmetall’s large-calibre gun barrel manufacturing facility, Gun Hall, in Telford.
RCH 155 and the Mobile Fires Platform Strategy
The RCH 155 has been designed as the Army’s long-term Mobile Fires Platform (MFP). It replaces the AS90 artillery systems that were supplied to Ukraine three years ago. The RCH 155 system consists of two main components: the Boxer Drive Module and the Artillery Gun Module (AGM). Additionally, the AGM includes the turret and weapon system, and the overall architecture highlights why RCH 155 is seen as a modern artillery solution.
The contract covers the supply of the weapon systems, including the barrel, muzzle brake, breech, recoil system, and turret mounting interface points. As a result, the British Army will be able to deploy RCH 155 units with advanced features.
Defence Industry Investment and Employment
Of the total contract value, £30 million will be allocated to the development of Rheinmetall’s new Gun Hall facility in Telford. The site is expected to create approximately 100 highly skilled jobs and support additional employment across the UK supply chain. In addition, RCH 155 procurement aims to establish operational independence in the production of large-calibre artillery barrels within the UK. It will also build long-term manufacturing capability.
International Cooperation and Technical Capability
This development follows a £52 million contract signed in December for three Early Capability Demonstrator vehicles—RCH 155—scheduled for joint UK–Germany testing. It also builds on the Trinity House Agreement signed between the two countries in October 2024.
The Boxer-based RCH 155 can fire up to eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70 km away. This depends on the type of ammunition used. The system can operate with a two-person crew and reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. For artillery units, RCH 155 provides significant operational flexibility.
Modernization Program and Industrial Base
Brigadier Toby Lambert, Head of International, Industry and Prosperity for the Army, highlighted the contract’s impact on the UK’s industrial base. Lambert stated that supply chains are being strengthened and that commitments made under the Trinity House Agreement with Germany are being fulfilled. He also noted that the investment is expected to encourage further defence investment. Furthermore, it represents a step forward in the Army’s broader modernization program which includes new platforms like RCH 155.
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Source: C4Defence– UK MOD
