The first modern German wheeled self-propelled howitzer RCH 155 was delivered to Ukraine during a ceremonial event held at the KNDS facility in Kassel, attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksiy Makeiev.
This is the first RCH 155 out of 54 ordered by Germany for Ukraine, which were initially contracted at the end of 2022. Thus, the German segment of KNDS is meeting deadlines, even though this is the first order for these systems. Overall, Ukraine has become the first operator of the RCH 155.
However, it is likely that the appearance of this artillery system on the battlefield will take some time. Ultimately, it is necessary to prepare the crews and wait for the production of a minimum number of RCH 155 units to form a unit, starting from a battery. But in any case, receiving all 54 contracted RCH 155 units will take several years.
While Ukraine has become the first country to operate this self-propelled howitzer, it certainly will not be the last. In the spring of 2024, The United Kingdom selected the RCH 155 based on the Boxer wheeled combat vehicle on an 8x8 chassis. They are intended to replace the AS-90 and generally to strengthen their artillery component, with a total of 116 units to be supplied.
Last autumn, Switzerland decided to take the artillery part of this self-propelled howitzer and install it on its own Piranha IV with a unique 10x10 chassis. Italy is also considering these self-propelled howitzers to replace the FH70 towed howitzers, and the Bundeswehr is looking to procure 80 units.
Among potential customers for the RCH 155 are the Netherlands and the United States. Specifically, this German self-propelled howitzer on a Piranha 10x10 chassis is also one of the possible winners of the U.S. Army's competition for a new artillery system.
Overall, the RCH 155 represents a new generation of self-propelled howitzers with full automation. It features an unmanned turret with a 155-mm howitzer with a barrel length of 52 calibers, similar to the PzH-2000. This means it can achieve record firing ranges of over 40 and even 50 km, and with the latest Vulcano - 70 km.
It is equipped with an automatic loading system and automated aiming, providing a firing rate of over 8 rounds per minute, with an ammunition capacity of up to 30 rounds. The crew of the RCH 155 consists of only 2-3 personnel. An additional feature of the self-propelled howitzer is its unique ability to fire while in motion.