The UK government has announced a significant investment of £1 billion (approximately $1.35 billion) to procure 72 RCH 155 howitzers, which are advanced artillery systems designed to enhance the British Army's capabilities. This decision comes in response to a gap in artillery strength after the UK supplied its previous AS90 systems to Ukraine. The RCH 155 howitzers, capable of firing at targets 70 km (44 miles) away and traveling at speeds over 100 km (62 miles) per hour, are expected to bolster the UK's defense posture. The contract is awarded to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall, with production taking place in England. British Defense Minister John Healey emphasized that this contract not only strengthens military capabilities but also supports over 500 jobs in the defense sector. The first units are anticipated to be delivered by 2028 as part of a broader defense spending increase, which is the largest since World War Two.