Image: Rheinmetall ©
Rheinmetall has won a major contract to supply weapon systems for the British Army’s new RCH 155 wheeled howitzers, according to the company. The German defence firm secured the deal in the second quarter of 2026, with the contract value sitting in the low three-digit million-euro range.
A Joint European Programme
The RCH 155 comes from ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland. Both Germany and the United Kingdom procure the platform through this partnership, with each shareholder acting as a subcontractor. The UK ordered 72 RCH 155 units in May 2026, and both nations are now qualifying the 155 mm L/52 RC remote-controlled weapon system.
Once qualification is complete, Rheinmetall will deliver 72 elevating masses and on-board tools for the British fleet. The company will also provide non-recurring services, including training materials and technical documentation. Production will take place at Rheinmetall’s new gun manufacturing facility in Telford, which is being brought online in phases.
Combining Firepower, Protection and Mobility
The RCH 155 pairs the GTK BOXER’s proven drive module with an upgraded, fully automated version of the Panzerhaubitze 2000’s weapon system. This combination delivers automated artillery firepower alongside strong protection and wheeled mobility. Notably, the system can fire while on the move, a capability that sets it apart from many comparable platforms. Its unmanned, fully automated turret further distinguishes the design.
Rheinmetall ranks among the world’s leading 155 mm system houses and one of its largest ammunition manufacturers. The company is currently expanding its production capacity to meet growing demand across European defence markets, reflecting the broader push to strengthen artillery capability amid heightened security concerns on the continent.
Learn more on Rheinmetall’s website














