In what would constitute an important reinforcement for its artillery units, Germany would be planning to make an investment of 3.4 billion euros that would allow it to carry out the purchase of more than 200 new RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, with deliveries expected to take place between the years 2028 and 2032. The news was disclosed by government sources familiar with the project to local German media, which also indicated plans for the Defense Committee and the Budget Committee of the Bundestag to move forward with the parliamentary debate during the coming week, a key stage for the approval of a purchase involving amounts so high.
Added to this, the reports published from Germany state that to the funds provided by the government an additional amount contributed by the United Kingdom would be added, estimated at a two-digit figure in millions of euros, which would be destined for development costs. It is worth recalling, in relation to the latter, that London selected the RCH 155 as the future mobile artillery system to equip the British Army toward the end of April of last year. However, as can be observed in the great difference in funds that would be allocated to the program compared to those of its German counterpart, the country would not yet be moving forward with the purchase of units as such.
If we broaden the lens to other users of the platform, it should be highlighted that Berlin has already completed the delivery of RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with a formal ceremony held during the month of January in the city of Kassel. Particularly, this turned Ukrainian troops into the first to be able to deploy them in the field (initially for training missions within Germany), even before their German partners who have designed and manufactured them. According to the agreements made public at that time, Kyiv remains awaiting a fleet composed of 54 units, which would be delivered in three different batches.
Moreover, the system in question has also earned a place in the future structure of the Swiss Army, a country that confirmed this decision in November of last year. In detail, the institution seeks to add the RCH 155 with the objective of being able to replace its already outdated M109 KWEST howitzers, which have a service history of more than five decades.
On the other hand, reviewing the technical characteristics that pertain to the system mentioned up to this point, we can mention that these are platforms equipped with 155 mm L52 cannons capable of carrying out 6 to 8 shots per minute; even with the capability to open fire while on the move and ammunition storage 50% larger than that of current Bundeswehr systems. Additionally, it is known that their range is around 54 kilometers and has an azimuth of 360 degrees, also including different elevation ranges without the need for additional supports. It is also noteworthy that the howitzers are mounted on wheeled vehicles, with different axle options available; providing great flexibility to move across rough terrain.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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