FLASH NEWS: UK and Germany sign deal to test RCH 155 8x8 self-propelled howitzer.

The United Kingdom and Germany have signed a £52 million contract to jointly acquire and test the RCH 155 artillery system under a new Early Capability Demonstrator initiative. The effort is designed to accelerate land warfare modernization while deepening defense cooperation under the Trinity House agreement.

The British and German governments confirmed on December 28, 2025, that both nations have agreed to a £52 million joint contract to procure and evaluate the RCH 155 wheeled 155mm artillery system, marking a notable milestone in bilateral defense cooperation. Under the Early Capability Demonstrator program, the UK will receive one prototype system while Germany will field two units, allowing both militaries to pool testing data, technical expertise, and operational feedback as they move toward potential future procurement decisions.
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German-developed KNDS RCH 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer during live-fire training at the Klietz military range, Germany. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The contract between the UK and Germany for the RCH 155 8x8 self-propelled signals a strategic shift in the British Army’s artillery modernization efforts, laying the foundation for the long-term replacement of legacy systems under the Mobile Fires Platform program. The RCH 155 155mm self-propelled howitzer is based on the combat-proven 155mm L52 gun system mounted on the modular Boxer 8x8 wheeled chassis. This pairing creates a fully automated, highly mobile artillery platform capable of delivering precision firepower at ranges of up to 70 kilometers using extended-range ammunition.

Unlike conventional self-propelled howitzers, the RCH 155 is designed for networked, high-mobility warfare. It integrates automated loading, unmanned turret operation, and advanced fire control systems to reduce crew requirements and maximize operational tempo. The system can execute a fire mission within 60 seconds of halting and reposition immediately after, minimizing counter-battery exposure. Its ability to fire on the move represents a leap in capability for NATO artillery units, particularly in contested environments where mobility and survivability are critical.

The RCH 155 turret, derived from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann’s proven Artillery Gun Module (AGM), is fully remote-operated, allowing the entire gun system to be run from within the Boxer’s wheeled armored hull. The automated magazine holds 30 rounds and supports multiple-round simultaneous impact (MRSI) functionality. This means the system can fire several shells at different trajectories to strike a single target simultaneously – a capability typically seen only in top-tier artillery systems.

Strategically, selecting the Boxer platform as the base vehicle ensures commonality with other British Army programs. The UK has already committed to acquiring over 600 Boxer vehicles for its Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program, offering logistical and maintenance synergies across its land forces. The RCH 155’s integration with Boxer also enhances its deployability, allowing rapid transport and strategic mobility within Europe and beyond.

Joint testing with Germany under the ECD program will enable both nations to share ballistic data, mobility performance results, and system-integration trial results. This cooperative approach is intended to reduce overall costs and speed up fielding decisions. Test campaigns will include live-fire evaluations, command-and-control integration with NATO systems, and battlefield mobility assessments across varied climatic and terrain conditions.

The RCH 155 is expected to replace both the UK’s interim Archer artillery systems and, in the German Army, supplement or partially replace the tracked PzH 2000 fleet. While the Archer offers short-term capability following the transfer of the AS90 tracked self-propelled howitzer to Ukraine in 2023, it lacks the advanced automation, modularity, and mobility of the RCH 155 system.

Beyond military capability, the joint program is intended to support broader economic goals. With potential for domestic industrial participation, including final integration, sustainment, and training support within the UK, the program is expected to stimulate skilled employment and contribute to sovereign defense readiness. Germany, as the lead manufacturer via KMW, will also benefit from increased production scale and the potential for wider European export interest.

The £52 million contract is an early but strategic investment, enabling the UK to evaluate the system in operational conditions and make informed decisions on future acquisition. With rising geopolitical tensions and artillery playing a central role in ongoing conflicts, the ability to field long-range, rapidly deployable firepower is becoming a cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence posture.

The RCH 155 initiative is a clear embodiment of the Trinity House agreement’s intent: aligning UK and German defense capabilities, deepening operational interoperability, and building a cohesive response to emerging threats. It also reflects the UK’s broader commitments in the Strategic Defence Review, linking frontline capability upgrades to industrial revitalization.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.