UK and Germany Solidify Defense Ties with $52 million Mobile Artillery Deal

In a major boost to European defense cooperation, the United Kingdom and Germany have officially signed a $52 million ($70 million) joint contract for the RCH 155 mobile artillery system. This agreement represents the first concrete procurement milestone under the Trinity House Agreement, a strategic pact aimed at modernizing NATO’s land forces.

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A New Era of “Shoot-and-Scoot” Warfare

The RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer) is widely considered a generational leap in artillery technology. Developed by KNDS, the system is mounted on the highly versatile Boxer 8×8 armored vehicle.

What makes the RCH 155 a game-changer?

• Firing While Moving: Unlike traditional artillery that must stop to fire, the RCH 155 can engage targets while traveling at speeds of up to 100 km/h. This drastically reduces vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire.
• Precision at Distance: It utilizes a 155mm/L52 gun capable of striking targets over 70 km away.
• Automated Efficiency: The system is fully automated, allowing a crew of just two people to operate it, compared to the five typically required for older systems like the AS90.

Strategic Goals: Replacing the Old Guard

For the British Army, this deal is the foundation of the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program. The UK is moving aggressively to replenish its artillery stocks after gifting much of its AS90 fleet to Ukraine.

By partnering with Germany, the UK ensures:

1. Lower Costs: Shared development and testing reduce the financial burden on both nations.
2. Interoperability: British and German troops will use identical platforms, simplifying logistics and maintenance during joint NATO operations.
3. Industrial Growth: The deal is expected to support high-skilled engineering jobs in both countries.

The Road Ahead

The initial $70 million investment will fund Early Capability Demonstrators for both nations. These units will undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the specific requirements of the British and German armies before full-scale production begins.

“In an increasingly volatile world, this partnership ensures our forces are equipped with the most advanced technology to stay ahead of our adversaries.” — UK Ministry of Defence Spokesperson