Next-Gen Firepower: British Army Advances RCH155 Howitzers Toward Service

Introduction: A Major Step in Modernizing British Artillery

Next-Gen Firepower: The British Army is moving forward with one of its most important artillery modernization programs in decades as its new RCH155 wheeled howitzers prepare to undergo extensive testing and evaluation in Germany. The Remote Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH155) represents a fundamental shift in how the United Kingdom plans to deploy, protect, and operate long-range firepower on future battlefields.

Designed to replace aging AS90 tracked self-propelled guns, the RCH155 offers greater mobility, automation, and survivability, reflecting lessons learned from recent high-intensity conflicts. Testing in Germany, a country with advanced military infrastructure and varied terrain, will play a crucial role in validating the system before full operational service.

What Is the RCH155 Wheeled Howitzer?

Overview of the RCH155 System

The RCH155 is a 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by KNDS (formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann). It is based on the proven Boxer 8×8 armored vehicle platform, widely used by NATO forces.

Key design goals include:

• High strategic and tactical mobility
• Reduced crew exposure through automation
• Rapid shoot-and-scoot capability
• Interoperability with NATO artillery systems

Why the British Army Selected the RCH155

The British Army selected the RCH155 due to:

• Proven performance of the Boxer platform
• Fully automated turret operation
• Compatibility with NATO 155mm ammunition
• Lower lifecycle costs compared to tracked systems

The system aligns with the Army’s transformation under Future Soldier reforms.

The Need to Replace the AS90 Artillery System

Limitations of the AS90

The AS90, introduced in the 1990s, faces increasing challenges:

• Aging components
• High maintenance demands
• Limited automation
• Reduced survivability in modern combat

Recent conflicts have demonstrated that artillery systems must be faster, more precise, and less exposed.

Lessons From Ukraine and Modern Warfare

High-intensity warfare has shown that:

• Artillery positions are rapidly targeted
• Counter-battery fire is highly lethal
• Mobility and speed are critical for survival

The RCH155’s wheeled design enables quick relocation after firing, improving survivability.

Why Germany Was Chosen for Testing and Evaluation

Advanced Training and Testing Facilities

Germany offers:

• World-class military proving grounds
• Extensive artillery ranges
• NATO interoperability testing environments

These facilities allow comprehensive evaluation under realistic combat conditions.

Terrain and Climate Diversity

Testing in Germany exposes the RCH155 to:

• Forested terrain
• Open plains
• Urban training zones
• Seasonal weather variations

This ensures performance validation across multiple environments.

Scope of the RCH155 Testing Program

Mobility and Maneuver Testing

Key focus areas include:

• On-road and off-road mobility
• Speed over rough terrain
• Stability during firing
• Endurance over long distances

The Boxer chassis is expected to demonstrate excellent mobility.

Firepower and Accuracy Evaluation

Testing will assess:

• Maximum firing range
• Accuracy and consistency
• Rate of fire
• Ammunition compatibility

The RCH155 can fire NATO-standard 155mm rounds, including extended-range munitions.

Automation and Crew Safety

One of the RCH155’s defining features is its fully remote-controlled turret.

Evaluators will examine:

• Automated loading performance
• Crew workload reduction
• Safety during sustained fire missions

The crew remains inside the armored cabin during firing.

Technical Specifications of the RCH155

Core System Characteristics

Key specifications include:

• Caliber: 155mm
• Platform: Boxer 8×8
• Crew: Reduced compared to AS90
• Range: Over 40 km with extended-range rounds

Advanced Fire Control Systems

The howitzer features:

• Digital fire control
• GPS-guided targeting
• Automated gun laying
• Networked battlefield integration

These capabilities allow rapid response to fire missions.

Operational Advantages for the British Army

Improved Survivability

Key survivability enhancements include:

• Shoot-and-scoot capability
• Reduced crew exposure
• Armored cabin protection

This reduces vulnerability to counter-battery fire.

Strategic Mobility and Rapid Deployment

Wheeled artillery offers:

• Faster road movement
• Easier air and sea transport
• Reduced logistical footprint

This supports expeditionary operations and NATO commitments.

Interoperability With NATO Forces

Standardized Ammunition and Systems

The RCH155 uses NATO-standard 155mm ammunition, allowing:

• Shared logistics
• Joint operations
• Allied resupply in combat

Integration Into NATO Fire Networks

The system is designed to integrate with:

• NATO digital command systems
• Allied targeting networks
• Joint fires coordination

This enhances coalition effectiveness.

Challenges and Considerations

Transition From Tracked to Wheeled Artillery

The shift presents challenges such as:

• Adapting doctrine
• Retraining crews
• Adjusting maintenance procedures

However, benefits outweigh the transition costs.

Cost and Procurement Timeline

While cost-effective over its lifecycle, the program requires:

• Upfront investment
• Careful scheduling
• Infrastructure adaptation

Testing results will inform final procurement decisions.

Future of British Artillery After RCH155

Modernization Under Future Soldier

The RCH155 fits within broader reforms emphasizing:

• Lethality
• Mobility
• Digitization
• Interoperability

Potential Upgrades and Growth Options

Future enhancements may include:

• Advanced precision-guided munitions
• Improved counter-drone capabilities
• Enhanced battlefield networking

Strategic Implications for European Defense

Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank

Modern British artillery contributes to:

• NATO deterrence
• Rapid reinforcement capability
• Allied firepower depth

Message to Potential Adversaries

The deployment signals:

• Commitment to modernization
• Lessons learned from modern conflicts
• Continued investment in long-range fires

Conclusion: A Crucial Test for Britain’s Artillery Future

The British Army’s decision to test and evaluate its new RCH155 wheeled howitzers in Germany marks a pivotal step in rebuilding its artillery capabilities for modern warfare. By combining automation, mobility, and precision, the RCH155 is set to transform how British forces deliver long-range firepower.

Successful testing will pave the way for full operational deployment, ensuring the British Army remains a credible and lethal force within NATO and beyond.