Germany and the United Kingdom have intensified military cooperation through a joint procurement contract worth around $72 million (approximately €61 million) for the purchase of modern artillery systems, local media reported today.
The agreement foresees the acquisition of “RCH 155” artillery systems, mounted on armored vehicles, capable of firing on the move and striking targets at distances exceeding 70 kilometers.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the contract will initially provide the British Army with a demonstration unit of the “RCH 155” system. Meanwhile, two additional units are planned for Germany, where they will be used for testing, Euronews.al reports.
The “RCH 155” system will be produced by the Franco-German defense company KNDS, in cooperation with Rheinmetall. The British ministry emphasizes that this system can fire up to eight shells per minute and is operated by only two soldiers.
Additionally, the new artillery has significant autonomy, being able to travel up to 700 kilometers without the need for refueling.
Berlin and London had agreed in May on a joint armament project, deciding to advance the development of a long-range precision weapon. This project is seen as a strategic foundation for further cooperation in modern weapons.
The main objective is to develop capabilities for so-called deep precision strikes, which can be used to hit targets deep within enemy territory.
Beyond the long-range weapon project, the two countries have also agreed on closer cooperation in anti-submarine warfare, based on the bilateral “Trinity House Agreement.”
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the project as a response to the changed security environment during a meeting in Berlin with his British counterpart, John Healey.
Healey emphasized that the security partnership between the two countries is closer than ever, adding that the cooperation not only strengthens defense but can also bring economic stimulus, investments, and new jobs to both nations.
