Ukraine to Receive 54 RCH 155 Self-Propelled Howitzers from KNDS.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine will bolster their artillery capabilities with 54 of the latest RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, according to the press service of the French-German defense conglomerate KNDS (KMW+Nexter Defense Systems). However, the company has not disclosed further details of the agreement.
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The RCH 155 is a self-propelled howitzer, designed in Germany. (Picture source: KNDS)

In February, the German government announced that Ukraine would receive 36 RCH 155s by 2027 as part of its military assistance program. The funding source for the additional 18 units remains uncertain, with speculation that the German government might also cover this cost.

The RCH 155 is a sophisticated self-propelled howitzer, designed in Germany, combining firepower and advanced technology. It is armed with a 155mm/L52 cannon, capable of delivering precise long-range strikes. This advanced weapon system is used by Germany, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness on the battlefield.

The RCH 155 is equipped with an automatic electrical gun laying system, a computerized fire control system, and a radio data transmission connection, ensuring optimal coordination of operations. For the comfort and safety of its two-person crew, it features air conditioning, an NBC (Nuclear, Bacteriological, and Chemical) protection system, and a fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment.

In terms of protection, the vehicle’s chassis complies with STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, offering robust defense against ballistic threats and artillery shell splinters. The turret is also reinforced to withstand small arms fire and artillery shell fragments.

Weighing 39,000 kg, the RCH 155 is a heavy but fast machine, capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/h and covering a distance of 700 km without refueling. Its impressive dimensions—10.5 meters in length, 2.99 meters in width, and 3.6 meters in height—give it a significant presence on the field, while allowing remarkable operational mobility and flexibility.

Ukraine is the first country to receive these state-of-the-art howitzers. The initial batch of 18 units was ordered at the end of 2022, funded by the German Federal Government at a cost of €216 million. In February 2024, Germany announced that a second batch of 18 howitzers would be delivered as part of ongoing military aid.

As KNDS prepares the 155-mm RCH 155 howitzers for delivery, the exact timeline for their transfer to the Ukrainian army remains unknown.