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After a major £52 million contract between the UK and Germany, the RCH 155 will be mounted onto a BOXER armoured vehicle where it can hit targets 70km away, and fire eight rounds a minute

The UK has secured a new weapon that can fire eight rounds per minute while moving at speeds up to 100km/h.

The groundbreaking RCH 155 is a mounted weapon that attaches to a BOXER armoured vehicle where it can hit targets 70km away. Under a £52 million contract between the UK and Germany, the RCH 155 is an immediate boost to British forces, and one ministers say learns from the conflict in Ukraine.

The landmark tech can travel 700km without refuelling, equivalent to the driving distance from Cornwall to Newcastle. Unlike traditional artillery that needs to stop and set up before firing, the lightning quick weapon shoots while on the move, making it faster and harder for enemies to target. Operated by just two crew members thanks to cutting-edge automation, the weapon is also able to hit targets in any direction without repositioning.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “The British Army will soon have new artillery that can fire on the move. This builds on lessons from Ukraine enabling our Army to hit targets 70km away and move fast away from returning fire so they can fire again. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of being able to fire rapidly and move, and it is such lessons that are informing our procurement decisions and helping us deliver on the Strategic Defence Review.”

Soldiers currently operate the 14 Archer artillery systems, which are the short-term replacement for the AS90 guns gifted to Ukraine. As part of the contract, the UK and Germany will share test data and facilities, ensuring both nations get world-class equipment.

Edward Cutts, Senior Responsible Owner of Mobile Fires in the Army, said: "This joint demonstrator programme exemplifies the strength and ambition of the Trinity House Agreement. By working hand-in-hand with Germany, we're not only accelerating the delivery of world-class artillery capability for the British Army, but doing so more efficiently and cost-effectively than either nation could achieve alone.

"The RCH 155 represents a step-change in mobile artillery – combining devastating firepower with the ability to rapidly reposition. This collaboration ensures our soldiers will be equipped with cutting-edge technology whilst strengthening the interoperability between UK and German forces that is vital to NATO's collective defence."

Earlier this month the Defence Secretary John Healey warned Vladimir Putin that he would never take Ukraine, and that the UK was investing millions “right now” to mobilise British troops “day one” of a peace deal. His comments came just a week after the launch of a new military intelligence service amid escalating threats to the UK from cyber-attacks, disinformation and threats to global shipping lanes.