As part of a plan to strengthen and modernize its artillery capabilities, Germany has confirmed the purchase of its first 84 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, for which it will invest an amount close to €1.2 billion. As reported by manufacturer Rheinmetall in a statement published on December 22, the order in question falls within a broader agreement for up to 500 units concluded with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and Artec GmbH. Through this framework, Berlin will also be able to equip other international partners that have selected the platform.
In detail, the German company will proceed with the manufacture and delivery of the electrical systems, software, and the howitzers themselves to the aforementioned Artec, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, which is responsible for the Boxer vehicles on which these components will be mounted. The schedule goal, as described, is to begin deliveries starting in 2027 and to have them completed by 2029, provided the program advances without major setbacks.
Reviewing some of the technical characteristics of the platform acquired by Germany, it is worth recalling that it is armed with a 155 mm L52 gun as its main feature, capable of firing between 6 and 8 rounds per minute, with a maximum range of around 54 kilometers and a full 360-degree traverse. In addition, the RCH 155 stands out for its ability to open fire while on the move, while its ammunition stowage increases capacity by up to 50% compared to the systems currently in service with the German Army. Another notable aspect, in comparison with the PzH 2000, is its high degree of automation, which allows it to operate with only two crew members (commander and driver).
For the time being, these qualities have led to the system’s selection by the United Kingdom to replace its aging tracked AS90 models, a decision confirmed during a meeting held in April 2024 between then German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In addition, the Swiss Army has followed suit with a view to renewing its fleet of M109 KWEST systems, which have served the institution for more than five decades; in this case, however, the howitzer would be mounted on a Mowag Piranha IV 10×10 armored vehicle instead of the aforementioned Boxer.
Furthermore, as the first user already having the system at its disposal, it should be noted that Ukraine has also ordered its own fleet of 54 units to reinforce its artillery inventories, which are heavily tasked in combat against the Russian invasion. As early as mid-January of this year, Germany held a symbolic handover ceremony for the first unit in the city of Kassel, thus marking the start of the program, which foresees the delivery of these systems in three batches, as requested by Kyiv.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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