Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the first of the recently ordered 72 RCH 155mm artillery systems is due to achieve initial operational capability.

In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 platforms, having completed the necessary specialist training. As a minimum, the system will have an appropriate peacetime safety case to enable training on UK ranges, preparing the sub-unit for potential operational deployment.

The current acquisition cost for the RCH155 programme is estimated to exceed £1 billion. This figure comprises the £52 million Early Capability Demonstrator contract awarded in December 2025 in addition to the £53 million Long Lead Item contract let in March 2025, and the UK’s series production contract announced on 13 May 2026. The estimated Whole Life Cost of procuring and supporting a fleet of 72 RCH155 systems is expected to exceed £3 billion over the currently projected 25-year service life.