Still no clarity on the future of the British Army’s new wheeled artillery system
The first RCH 155 was handed over to Ukrainian forces this year. (Photo: KNDS)
The UK donated its AS90 155mm/39cal tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine ahead of planned retirement and bought Archer platforms to fill the gap. Eventually RCH 155s were ordered but the procurement effort remains under a cloud.
The UK government plans to achieve a minimum level of capability on the British Army’s RCH 155 wheeled remote-controlled 155m howitzer by 2030, but a definitive in-service date or full operating capability have not been clarified.
Speaking in the UK parliament on 12 November, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Louise Jones said it is still in its “assessment phase”.
Jones explained: “The project aims to achieve minimum deployable capability within this decade and will deliver the RCH 155. The project remains in its assessment phase and therefore it remains too early to provide an exact in-service date.”
In
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
-
![Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows]()
Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows
The procurement and planned procurement of articulated tracked all-terrain vehicles is being driven by a need to replace older platforms and an acknowledgement of a capability gap for Arctic regions.
-
![Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier]()
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
-
![Canada reveals first requirements for future long-range air-to-air missile]()
Canada reveals first requirements for future long-range air-to-air missile
Exclusive: Ottawa says its future NORAD interceptor must be highly stealthy, resistant to jamming and capable of engaging threats at very long range, while leaving the competition open to domestic and international suppliers.
