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UK, Germany Ink $70M Joint Deal for Mobile RCH 155 Artillery
In a significant move to bolster NATO interoperability and modernize their artillery capabilities, the United Kingdom and Germany have signed a joint procurement agreement valued at approximately £52 million ($70.1 million). The deal focuses on the acquisition and testing of the Remote Controlled Howitzer 155-millimeter (RCH 155), a cutting-edge artillery system designed for rapid, maneuverable firepower.
Under the agreement, the UK will receive an early prototype of the RCH 155, which will be mounted on a Boxer armored vehicle and capable of firing up to eight rounds per minute while moving at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Two additional platforms will be shipped to Germany for joint testing, sharing test data and facilities to streamline procurement and reduce costs for both nations.
Officials from both governments highlighted that this collaboration enhances collective defense and operational efficiency in a more contested security environment. British Army representatives emphasized that working closely with Germany will accelerate the delivery of advanced artillery capabilities, making the UK’s forces more agile and effective.
The RCH 155 system boasts impressive operational features, including the ability to engage targets in any direction without repositioning, operate with a crew of just two through automation, and travel up to 700 kilometers without refueling. The artillery is mounted on a Boxer armored vehicle, providing mobility and protection in modern combat scenarios.
This deal follows Germany’s recent commitment to a separate €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) contract with the joint venture Artec (a partnership between KNDS and Rheinmetall) for the procurement of 84 RCH 155 systems. The framework agreement allows for the delivery of up to 500 howitzers to Germany and other partner nations, signaling a significant upgrade in European artillery capabilities.
The UK intends to replace its interim Archer artillery systems with the RCH 155 as part of its long-term Mobile Fires Platform. The move marks a strategic shift following the donation of older AS90 artillery to Ukraine, which is currently engaged in defending against Russian forces.
British Defense Minister Luke Pollard underscored the importance of mobility and rapid fire in modern warfare, referencing lessons learned from Ukraine. “The British Army will soon have new artillery that can fire on the move,” he said. “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.”
As tensions continue to rise across Europe, the UK and Germany’s collaborative effort marks a significant step toward strengthening NATO’s collective defense capabilities through innovative, mobile artillery technology.
Netherlands Expands CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Fleet
The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed plans to acquire additional CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) as part of a broader European collaborative effort. The procurement aims to bolster the Royal Netherlands Army’s capabilities and enhance interoperability with partner nations.
This new acquisition will be executed under a joint European program involving Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, a coalition designed to reduce costs and streamline development, operation, and maintenance. Specific details regarding the number of vehicles to be procured or the financial scope have not been disclosed.
The upgraded vehicles will equip an extra armored infantry battalion of the 13th Light Brigade, which will be based at the Nassau-Dietz Barracks in Budel. The MoD emphasized that this move is critical for preparing for potential large-scale conflicts, stating, “This battalion, with its high mobility and firepower, will contribute to the infantry. In preparing for a potential large-scale conflict, strengthening the infantry is essential.”
The announcement follows the signing of an agreement in November with Sweden, Finland, Norway, Lithuania, and Estonia, covering joint development, operation, and maintenance of the CV90 system. The main contract for the procurement is expected to be finalized by early 2026.
Dutch industry will play a significant role in the program, with over 20 companies anticipated to participate as subcontractors, including in the modernization of the existing CV90 fleet.
Mid-Life Upgrades Underway
Currently, 122 CV90 vehicles are in service with the Royal Netherlands Army, undergoing mid-life upgrades under a contract valued at around $500 million. BAE Systems Hägglunds, the manufacturer of the CV90, is leading the modernization effort to ensure the vehicles remain capable against evolving threats.
The upgrade package includes improvements to turret design, based on a study conducted by the Dutch Army aimed at enhancing man-machine interaction. These enhancements are intended to provide operators with greater flexibility and reduce the time required for detection, identification, and engagement of targets. Additionally, an active protection system will be integrated to defend against anti-tank missiles. The modernization is scheduled for completion by 2026.
About the CV90
The CV90 is a tracked armored vehicle renowned for its mobility, agility, and firepower, especially suited for operate in subarctic environments. It can carry up to eight personnel and reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour. The platform has been procured by ten countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Finland, demonstrating its versatility and international appeal.
As the Netherlands enhances its armored capabilities through this joint European initiative and ongoing upgrades, it underscores the country's commitment to maintaining a modern, interoperable, and effective land force ready to face future security challenges.
Israel Sending Firearms to Homes of 10,000 Reservists
In a move aimed at bolstering internal security, Israel is distributing small arms to the homes of approximately 10,000 reserve soldiers across the country. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address security gaps revealed during the October 2023 attack that intensified the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Tel Aviv officials describe the program as a response to lessons learned from the recent escalation, when citizens living along the Gaza border were left unprotected for hours, and local emergency squads lacked access to weapons. The distribution includes standard-issue firearms such as M4 and M16 assault rifles, along with magazines and combat gear. The weapons will be delivered to soldiers’ residences and stored securely in safes provided by the army.
The Israeli government clarified that these firearms are intended for use under strict supervision and are not encrypted systems or heavy weapons. Hundreds of service members have already received their rifles, with additional distributions planned as recruitment efforts expand.
Targeting the 96th Division
The program specifically targets members of the Israeli Ground Forces’ 96th Division, known as “Gilead,” a reserve unit established in 2024 to enhance community protection against threats similar to Hamas infiltration. Comprised of volunteers aged 40 to 60, the division operates under the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Central Command, covering areas including the West Bank, Jerusalem, the Sharon plain, the Gush Dan metropolitan area, and the Judean Foothills.
Colonel Roi, commander of Gilead, emphasized in an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth that the division’s role is to support rapid deployment of battalions capable of immediate response and holding strategic points until regular forces arrive.
“This isn’t a hostage rescue force,” Col. Roi stated. “These units are meant to hold roadblocks, secure strategic points, and respond fast. After October 7, we no longer need to imagine what it means to drop everything and head straight into combat — it already happened. This time, we’ll be ready.”
The initiative underscores Israel’s focus on strengthening its domestic defense capabilities, ensuring that local communities and reserve units are better equipped to respond swiftly in times of crisis.
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