Germany to deliver more RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers to meet Ukraine’s increased artillery need.

As reported by Hardpunkt on January 9, 2024, Germany announced an expanded delivery of 54 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, a decision confirmed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a press event in Ramstein. This marks an increase from the initial order of 18 units approved in 2022, followed by two additional orders of 18 units each in 2024. The first six units are now expected to arrive by April 2025, with the remaining systems to be delivered by 2027. Manufactured by KNDS Germany, these howitzers are aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s artillery capabilities in its conflict with Russia.
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The delivery of 54 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine is part of Germany's broader military assistance to Ukraine, which totals approximately €28 billion since February 2022. (Picture source: KNDS Germany)

The delivery of the RCH 155 howitzers is part of Germany's broader military assistance to Ukraine, which totals approximately €28 billion since February 2022, combining deliveries from Bundeswehr stocks and industry-funded supplies through the Federal Government’s security capacity-building initiative. Artillery support includes 358,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition, 25 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers, seven M109 155mm howitzer tubes, and contributions to joint projects such as Zuzana 2 howitzers.

Planned deliveries include 54 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers and more than 200,000 additional 155mm rounds. Training for over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers has been conducted in Germany, incurring costs of €282 million, alongside logistical, medical, and material support. Additional commitments include ammunition for multiple rocket launchers, counter-battery radar systems, laser targeting modules, and mobile reconnaissance systems. Deliveries also involve vehicles, equipment, and upgrades, with financing spread across current and future years.

Ukraine’s artillery strength has been strengthened by contributions from other international partners. France delivered 30 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, while Denmark supplied 19 CAESAR units by April 2023. Slovakia, with financial backing from Germany, Denmark, and Norway, committed to providing 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers, with deliveries starting in 2023. Ukraine has also received Czech-made 155mm DITA howitzers, with the first units delivered in December 2024. Domestically, Ukraine has increased production of the 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers from six units per month in late 2023 to 20 units per month by October 2024, aided by Danish funding for 18 units delivered by September 2024.

Despite these enhancements, Ukraine continues to face significant artillery losses in combat. As of January 2025, Ukraine's towed artillery losses total 229 units, with 134 destroyed, 75 damaged, 2 abandoned, and 18 captured. Key losses include 54 destroyed and 43 damaged 155mm M777A2 howitzers, 11 destroyed and 2 captured 122mm D-30 howitzers, and 9 abandoned and destroyed 152mm 2A36 Giatsint-B field guns. Anti-tank guns such as the 100mm MT-12 saw 10 destroyed, 6 damaged, and 11 captured, while the 100mm BS-3 experienced 1 destroyed and 2 captured. Other affected systems include 5 destroyed 105mm L119 howitzers, 8 destroyed 152mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzers, and 3 captured 152mm D-20 gun-howitzers.

Ukraine's self-propelled artillery losses comprise 446 units, with 349 destroyed, 73 damaged, and 24 captured. The 122mm 2S1 Gvozdika accounts for 134 destroyed, 16 damaged, and 13 captured. Other losses include 51 destroyed and 8 damaged 152mm 2S3 Akatsiya, 57 destroyed and 16 damaged M109 variants, and 36 destroyed AHS Krab systems. Additional losses involve 7 Caesar 6x6, 5 155mm Bohdana 4.0, 4 120mm М1064А3, and 13 203mm 2S7 Pion units. Systems damaged or captured include 3 152mm 2S5 Giatsint-S and 1 damaged 155mm Panzerhaubitze 2000. 

Ukraine has also requested additional support to meet its artillery needs, citing monthly consumption of 90,000 to 110,000 shells. Efforts such as the "Danish Model" of direct financing for Ukrainian manufacturers and the Artillery Capabilities Coalition roadmap aim to address these requirements, although production in Western countries has struggled to fully meet demand.

The RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer fires up to nine rounds per minute and supports a range of 40 km with base bleed rounds and 54 km with V-LAP projectiles. (Picture source: KNDS Germany)

The RCH 155 is a German wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KNDS Germany). It is built around the Artillery Gun Module (AGM) turret equipped with a 155 mm/L52 cannon derived from the Panzerhaubitze 2000, mounted on either the Boxer or Piranha IV 10×10 platforms. The system operates with a two-person crew, consisting of a commander and driver, and includes automated and remote-control capabilities.

It provides protection against threats such as heavy machine gun fire up to 14.5 mm, artillery fragments, and anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. The howitzer fires up to nine rounds per minute and supports a range of 40 km with base bleed rounds and 54 km with V-LAP projectiles. It is compatible with NATO-standard 155 mm ammunition and can fire Vulcano and M982 Excalibur rounds for extended ranges. Key features include a 360° turret traverse, -2.5° to +65° barrel elevation, and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impacts (MRSI) capability.

The RCH 155 is powered by an MTU 8V199 TE21 diesel engine delivering 816 hp, enabling a top speed of 103 km/h and a range of 700 km. Its combat load consists of 30 fused projectiles and 144 modular propellants, with inductive fuze programming during loading. The system includes optional components such as a remote-controlled weapon station, smoke grenade launcher, and NBC protection and ventilation systems. It can fire while in motion, and the Ukrainian version is fitted with the Hensoldt Setas 360-degree vision system to improve situational awareness and includes a hunter-killer capability for simultaneous target engagement.

Apart from Ukraine, the UK has selected 116 RCH 155 units for its Mobile Fires Platform program, to be manufactured in Germany and the UK. Switzerland has chosen the Piranha IV platform for the system as part of its Artillerie Wirkplattform und Wirkmittel 2026 program, with parliamentary approval for acquisition planned for 2025. Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, and Spain have expressed interest, with Germany considering up to 168 units under the ZukSysIndF mRw program and Italy planning to replace its FH70 howitzers. The United States is evaluating the RCH 155 alongside other systems for its mobile tactical cannon program, with a decision expected in 2026.