Germany and the United Kingdom Sign Agreement: Evaluating Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems in Preparation for Joint Procurement?

On [Month] [Day], the governments of the United Kingdom and Germany confirmed that the two countries have signed a joint agreement to collaboratively procure and evaluate the Type wheeled self-propelled howitzer system.

The self-propelled howitzer utilizes the "Boxer" wheeled armored personnel carrier chassis.

The agreement, valued at £ million (approximately RMB . billion), marks a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between the two countries. Under the "Early Performance Verification Programme (EPVP)", the UK will receive one prototype system, while Germany will receive two. This will enable the armies of both nations to share test data, technical characteristics, and operational feedback, thereby providing reference for potential future procurement decisions.

Self-propelled howitzers are equipped with extended-range barrels, providing a range advantage.

The agreement signed by the United Kingdom and Germany on the self-propelled howitzer marks a shift in the British Army's artillery modernization strategy, laying the groundwork for replacing the current aging artillery systems through the "Mobile Fires Platform ( )" program. The self-propelled howitzer is based on a battle-proven artillery system and utilizes the modular-designed "Boxer" wheeled armored vehicle chassis. This combination creates a fully automated, highly mobile artillery platform capable of delivering precise firepower against targets within a range of kilometers using long-range ammunition.

On May 1, the first self-propelled howitzer from the headquarters of the German-French joint venture was delivered to Ukraine.

Unlike traditional self-propelled howitzers, it is specifically designed for networked, high-mobility operations. Equipped with an autoloading unmanned turret and advanced fire control system, it reduces crew requirements while maximizing combat efficiency. The system can commence firing within seconds of halting and relocate immediately after completing missions, significantly minimizing the risk of threats from enemy counter-battery fire. Its capability to fire on the move represents a leap forward in the operational effectiveness of NATO artillery forces—an essential feature in high-intensity battlefields where mobility and survivability are critical.

Early artillery module system prototype vehicle of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.

The unmanned turret is derived from the artillery module developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and features fully remote-controlled operation, allowing the gunner to operate it from within the hull of the Boxer wheeled armored vehicle. The unmanned turret houses rounds and is equipped with the "Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI)" capability, which means it can fire multiple rounds that follow different trajectories to hit a single target simultaneously—a function typically found only in top-tier artillery systems.

It features the "multiple rounds simultaneous impact" capability.

From a strategic perspective, selecting the "Boxer" as the chassis ensures interoperability with other weapon systems of the British Army. The UK has already planned to procure over "Boxer" armored vehicles for the "Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV)" program, thereby achieving economies of scale in logistics and maintenance within the Army. Integration with the "Boxer" also enhances the system's deployability, enabling rapid transportation and strategic mobility in Europe and other regions.

The chassis of the "Boxer" armored personnel carrier undergoing obstacle-crossing tests.

The joint testing with Germany under the "Early Verification of Capability" program will enable the UK and Germany to share ballistic data, mobility indicators, and system integration test results. This collaborative approach aims to reduce overall costs and accelerate procurement decisions. The relevant test items will include live-fire exercises, command and control integration with other NATO weapon systems, and battlefield mobility assessments conducted under various climatic and terrain conditions.

Sweden's "Archer" self-propelled howitzer.

As planned, it will replace the British Army's interim "Archer" self-propelled howitzer system and serve as a supplement to the German Army's active tracked self-propelled howitzers, even partially replacing them. After providing tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine in the year, the British Army procured Sweden's "Archer" wheeled self-propelled howitzers as interim equipment. Although the "Archer" can provide short-term operational capabilities, it lacks the advanced automation, modularity, and mobility that the system possesses.

A prototype vehicle undergoing live-fire testing.

This multi-million-pound agreement represents a strategically significant initial investment, enabling the United Kingdom to evaluate the system under operational conditions and make well-informed decisions regarding future procurement and deployment. As geopolitical tensions escalate and artillery plays a central role in prolonged conflicts, deploying self-propelled howitzer systems with long-range, mobile firepower is becoming a cornerstone of NATO's deterrence posture.

Possesses omnidirectional firing capability.

The plan clearly embodies the purpose of NATO's internal cooperation: coordinating the defense capabilities of the United Kingdom and Germany, deepening interoperability, and establishing a coordinated response mechanism to address emerging threats. This plan is also reflected in the commitments made in the UK's Strategic Defence Review: linking the upgrade of frontline combat capabilities with the revitalization of the domestic industry.