The United Kingdom has ordered 72 new RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled artillery systems (SPAS) to replace the AS90s transferred to Ukraine. The contract provides for extensive local production.
This was announced by the UK government in its press release.
According to the government, the contract is valued at nearly £1 billion ($1.3 billion) and includes, in addition to the purchase, crew training and in-service maintenance support.
The contract was signed on behalf of the British Army by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) with ARTEC GmbH—a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall.
The weapon systems—the barrel, breech, recoil system, and trunnions—will be manufactured at Rheinmetall’s large-caliber systems facility in Telford, UK.
The new facility, known as Gun Hall, will begin production of artillery and tank barrels by 2027, restoring the UK’s capability to manufacture large-caliber barrels, which was lost in 2016.
Rheinmetall plans to use British steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters, which is capable of producing the largest and most technically complex cast and forged steel components in the world.
The powertrain—the BOXER chassis, engine, and transmission, on which the weapon system is mounted—will be manufactured by KNDS UK in Stockport. This will preserve critical expertise in the welding of armored steel in the UK and support 100 skilled jobs in Stockport.
Overall, the program is expected to create 100 new skilled jobs at Rheinmetall’s facility in Telford, support 100 jobs at KNDS Stockport, and another 300 jobs across the broader UK supply chain.
“This major investment is a contribution to both the battlefield and the UK economy. By procuring next-generation artillery alongside Germany, we are not only rearming to strengthen NATO in the face of growing Russian aggression, but also creating highly skilled jobs here in the UK,” said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
According to the plan, the British Army is preparing to adopt the first RCH 155 artillery demonstrator into service in 2028. The plan calls for the British Armed Forces to achieve minimum operational capability with the RCH 155 within this decade.
Currently, the British Army is using Swedish Archer self-propelled howitzers as a temporary solution following the transfer of all its AS90 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine and will continue to do so until the RCH 155 enters service.
