Ukraine to Receive RCH 155 Self-propelled Artillery from Germany by Year's End.

Germany is set to deliver its latest advanced artillery system, the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm), to Ukraine by the end of this year. This announcement marks a significant milestone, as Ukraine will be the first country to operationally deploy this state-of-the-art weapon system, which has not yet been used by any army in the world.
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The RCH 155 is a German 155 mm self-propelled artillery system. (Picture source: KNDS)

The German Ministry of Defense, through Major General Dr. Christian Freuding from the special staff for Ukraine, confirmed the delivery in a video published on the official YouTube channel of the German Army (Bundeswehr) on August 15. This confirmation highlights the strategic importance of this delivery, as it will strengthen Ukraine’s artillery capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. The RCH 155 system, developed by the German defense giant Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now known as KNDS Deutschland), represents a leap forward in modern artillery technology.

The RCH 155 is a 155 mm self-propelled artillery system that represents a technological advancement in modern weapons systems. Designed in Germany, this vehicle combines mobility, firepower, and protection to provide an effective and responsive artillery capability on the battlefield. The main armament of the RCH 155 is a 155 mm L52 caliber cannon, capable of striking long-range targets with great precision.

Designed to operate in complex environments, the RCH 155 is equipped with an automatic gun-laying system, coupled with a computerized fire control system, allowing the two-person crew to efficiently manage firing operations. Additionally, the radio data transmission system enables coordination with other units, further enhancing artillery effectiveness on the ground.

In terms of protection, the RCH 155 is built to survive in hostile environments. The vehicle's hull is protected according to STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, providing resistance against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. The turret is also armored to protect the crew from ballistic threats and shrapnel. To deal with chemical, biological, and nuclear threats, the vehicle is equipped with an NBC protection system and air conditioning to ensure crew comfort in challenging conditions. A fire suppression system in the engine compartment adds an extra layer of safety in case of danger.

Despite its weight of 39 tons, the RCH 155 remains highly mobile thanks to its powerful engine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h. It can cover a distance of up to 700 km on a full tank of fuel, providing significant autonomy for extended operations. Measuring 10.5 meters in length, 2.99 meters in width, and 3.6 meters in height, the vehicle combines imposing size with mobility, making it suitable for various terrains and missions.

With its current users, including Germany, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, the RCH 155 embodies a new generation of artillery systems designed to meet the demands of modern conflicts. Powered by an MTU V8 199 TE21 engine delivering 815 horsepower, the RCH 155 can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and has an operational range of about 700 kilometers on a full tank of fuel. This combination of speed, range, and firepower ensures that the RCH 155 can quickly deploy, strike, and relocate, making it difficult for adversaries to counter.

The delivery of the RCH 155 to Ukraine marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, as the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be the first to test this highly automated system in combat conditions. The performance of the RCH 155 in Ukraine will likely be closely monitored by other nations, many of which have already expressed interest in acquiring the system for their armies.

Germany had previously committed to providing Ukraine with a total of 36 RCH 155 units, and this delivery marks the first batch of what could become a decisive asset in Ukraine’s defense arsenal. The introduction of this advanced artillery system is expected to bolster Ukraine’s capabilities, offering a strategic advantage in its efforts to defend against ongoing threats.

The German Ministry of Defense confirmed the delivery in a video published on the official YouTube channel of the Bundeswehr on August 15. (Picture source: KNDS)