He signed a $1.3 billion contract to purchase 72 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers.

The United Kingdom has just signed a contract worth nearly £1 billion (equivalent to $1.3 billion) to equip itself with 72 new-generation RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled artillery systems. This deal was handled by the Organization for the Cooperation of Arms (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army, awarded to ARTEC GmbH – a joint venture between the defense companies KNDS and Rheinmetall.

Restoring domestic artillery production capacity.

A key aspect of this contract is the commitment to a high degree of localization in production. Key weapon systems, including gun barrels, breech locks, and recoil reduction systems, will be manufactured at Rheinmetall's new "Gun Hall" plant in Telford. This production line is expected to begin operations in 2027, marking the return of large-caliber gun barrel production capacity in the UK, which had been interrupted since 2016.

To ensure self-sufficiency, Rheinmetall plans to use domestically sourced steel supplied by Sheffield Forgemasters. Simultaneously, the engine modules and drivetrain systems for the BOXER chassis will be manufactured by KNDS UK in Stockport. This program is expected to create and maintain a total of approximately 500 high-skilled engineering jobs within the UK defense supply chain.

Strengthening NATO's firepower.

British Defence Minister John Healy emphasized that investing in next-generation artillery systems from Germany is not only aimed at rearming and strengthening NATO against new security challenges, but also at boosting the British economy by creating highly skilled jobs.

The RCH 155 was chosen to directly replace the AS90 systems that London had delivered entirely to Ukraine. While awaiting the RCH 155's operational deployment, the British Army is using the Swedish Archer self-propelled howitzer as a temporary solution. The first RCH 155 prototypes are scheduled for delivery in 2028, aiming for minimum operational deployment capability within this decade.