UK orders weapon systems for RCH 155 SPHs

The UK has ordered 72 Rheinmetall 155 mm L/52 RC weapon systems for the same number of RCH 155 SPHs being procured for the British Army. (Rheinmetall)

The UK ordered 72 Rheinmetall 155 mm L/52 RC (remote-controlled) weapon systems for the British Army's Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 8x8 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) in the second quarter of 2026, the German company announced in a press release on 31 July 2026. Rheinmetall valued the contract in the low three-digit million euro range, with deliveries planned between May 2028 and June 2031.

The company will also provide additional non-recurring services, such as support for preparing training materials and technical documentation. The weapon systems will be produced at Rheinmetall's new Gun Hall large-calibre production facility in Telford, which is gradually entering operation.

The Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) awarded KNDS-Rheinmetall joint venture Artec a contract on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 30 April 2026 for 72 RCH 155 8x8 SPHs for the British Army. A 13 May 2026 UK MoD press release valued the contract at nearly GBP1 billion (USD1.3 billion), including initial training and in-service support.

The ministry said at the time that the weapon systems – the barrel, breech, recoil system and trunnions (mounting points for attachment to the turret) would be manufactured using steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters. The RCH 155 is based on the new Boxer B0 drive module, consisting of the chassis, engine, and drive train, which will be manufactured by KNDS UK in Stockport, according to the UK MoD.

The RCH 155 integrates the unmanned Artillery Gun Module, which is based on the Panzerhaubitze (PzH) 2000 tracked SPH and designed to be operated by a crew of two.