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Ukraine to Receive First RCH 155 Self-Propelled Howitzers from KNDS by April 2025.
On November 5, 2024, KNDS Deutschland confirmed that the first units of the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers would be delivered to Ukraine in April 2025, as reported during an interview conducted by Hartpunkt. The system is designed to meet modern requirements for rapid and mobile indirect fire operations, addressing Ukraine’s pressing needs amid its current conflict. Meanwhile, the Bundeswehr is negotiating to acquire 80 RCH 155 systems to bolster its medium-term artillery capabilities.
The RCH 155 is a self-propelled artillery system designed by Germany. (Picture source: KNDS)
In response to Ukraine’s urgent needs, Germany has committed to delivering 18 units of the RCH 155. These deliveries are part of a strategy to equip Ukraine with high-performance artillery systems capable of operating swiftly and efficiently in the field. The initial deliveries are scheduled for April 2025, a crucial date for Ukraine as it seeks to enhance its defensive capabilities in the face of growing military challenges. The Bundeswehr, planning to acquire 80 units, aims to address gaps in mobility and precision within its artillery arsenal, replacing aging systems and strengthening its rapid-response capabilities.
The RCH 155 is a self-propelled artillery system designed by Germany, featuring a 155mm/L52 cannon mounted on an 8x8 Boxer chassis. This combat vehicle combines firepower and mobility, offering armed forces precise and responsive indirect fire support. Designed to be operated by just two crew members, the RCH 155 is fully automated, with an electric gun-laying system and a computerized fire control system, enabling swift operations without complex manual intervention. This automation, coupled with integrated radio data transmission, ensures remarkable efficiency on the battlefield while facilitating coordination with other units.
This armored vehicle, intended for the armed forces of Germany, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, offers advanced protection suited for modern combat environments. Its hull armor reaches STANAG 4569 Level 4, providing high resistance to small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The turret armor protects against small-caliber rounds, enhancing crew safety in hostile environments.
Weighing 39 tons, the RCH 155 combines robustness with mobility. It can reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h with an operational range of 700 km, allowing rapid deployment over long distances. It features an imposing design optimized for mobility and maneuverability, measuring 10.5 meters in length, nearly 3 meters in width, and 3.6 meters in height.
The RCH 155 is also equipped for unconventional warfare environments, with air conditioning and an NBC (nuclear, bacteriological, and chemical) protection system to ensure crew safety. An automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment mitigates fire risks, increasing its resilience in combat situations.
The RCH 155 is gaining significant interest among European armed forces. The United Kingdom, for example, has shown interest in this system through the Trinity Agreement, which could lead to a joint acquisition with Germany. This cooperation between European nations aligns with a broader context of consolidating military capabilities and standardizing equipment within NATO, enabling coordinated interventions and streamlined logistics.
The RCH 155 stands out as an innovative response to current mobile and high-performing artillery needs. With an initial delivery set for April 2025 to Ukraine, followed by potential acquisitions for the Bundeswehr and other European armed forces, this system represents a strategic advancement.
The RCH 155 represents a major asset for Ukraine due to its mobility and advanced technology, which far surpass the capabilities of many artillery systems already in service with Ukrainian forces. Unlike towed howitzers and some older self-propelled guns, the RCH 155 is mounted on an 8x8 Boxer chassis, giving it exceptional mobility over varied terrain and a rapid deployment speed essential for combat situations. Thanks to its fully automated firing system and computer-assisted aiming, it significantly reduces setup time, providing increased responsiveness and the ability to perform rapid-fire missions before repositioning to avoid counter-battery strikes. Additionally, its firing range of over 50 km with appropriate munitions offers a strategic advantage by reaching distant targets safely, thereby enhancing Ukraine’s capacity for long-range indirect fire support.