The United Kingdom has recently acquired a cutting-edge weapon system capable of firing eight rounds per minute at speeds of up to 100km/h. Known as the RCH 155, this innovative weapon is mounted on a BOXER armored vehicle and has a range of 70km. The UK and Germany have signed a £52 million contract for the procurement of the RCH 155, providing a significant enhancement to the British armed forces and drawing lessons from the conflict in Ukraine.
The RCH 155 boasts remarkable capabilities, including the ability to travel 700km without refueling, equivalent to the distance from Cornwall to Newcastle. Unlike traditional artillery systems that require setup before firing, this weapon can shoot while on the move, making it more agile and challenging for adversaries to target. With advanced automation, only two crew members are needed to operate the weapon, which can engage targets in any direction without repositioning.
According to Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, the British Army is set to receive a new artillery system that can engage targets while on the move, leveraging insights from the conflict in Ukraine to strike targets at a distance of 70km and evade incoming fire effectively. The procurement decision reflects the importance of rapid deployment and mobility in modern warfare, aligning with the Strategic Defence Review objectives.
Currently, soldiers operate 14 Archer artillery systems as interim replacements for the AS90 guns provided to Ukraine. The UK and Germany will collaborate on sharing test data and facilities to ensure both countries have access to top-tier equipment and capabilities.
Edward Cutts, the Senior Responsible Owner of Mobile Fires in the Army, highlighted the collaborative nature of the joint demonstrator program, emphasizing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness achieved through cooperation between the UK and Germany. The RCH 155 represents a significant advancement in mobile artillery, combining firepower with rapid repositioning capabilities to equip soldiers with cutting-edge technology while enhancing interoperability between UK and German forces crucial for NATO’s collective defense.
In a recent development, Defence Secretary John Healey conveyed a strong message to Vladimir Putin, asserting that the UK is investing millions to prepare British troops to mobilize swiftly in the event of a peace agreement. This commitment comes amidst rising threats to the UK, leading to the launch of a new military intelligence service to address escalating risks such as cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and threats to global maritime routes.