The first batch of RCH 155 self-propelled artillery systems, out of 54 total, is expected to arrive in Ukraine by April 2025, said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of German defense conglomerate KNDS. In an interview with Hartpunkt, he specified that delivery would come in one package with other supplies earmarked for "another international customer."
Ketzel also expects to enter a procurement agreement soon with the German Armed Forces for the same type of howitzer, starting with an order for 80 pieces.
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Defense Express notes that this is basically the first definite deadline a KNDS official has voiced for the delivery of RCH 155 systems. Pledged by Ukraine's partners in late 2022, the artillery systems had yet to be manufactured, with vague promises and estimates to arrive sometime around 2025 or 2026.
Initially, only 18 units were queued up, yet the order expanded up to the current 54 in the following years, the production began in January 2023.
The upcoming deliveries of the German RCH 155 self-propelled guns is a substantial reinforcement of Ukrainian artillery capabilities, as it not only adds to the number of available howitzers but also is a qualitative level-up.
After all, the RCH 155s is a sophisticated and highly automated combat unit that can be operated by only two people instead of, for instance, eight crew members required to handle an M777 or 14 personnel needed for 2S7 Pion SPG. According to the manufacturer, it can start shooting in less than 20 seconds after arriving on the firing spot and fire a barrage of shots in a multiple round simultaneous impact (MRSI) manner, when all projectiles hit the target at the exact same time. Then it takes under 10 seconds to fold back up and leave the position, avoiding backfire.
Other specifications include:
- combat weight: 39 tons,
- max on-road speed: 100 km/h,
- max rate of fire 9 shots per minute, automatic reloading,
- transportable ammunition: 30 rounds, caliber 155mm.
For the RCH 155, counter-battery warfare of Ukraine will be a true baptism by fire, the first real test of its declared capabilities and its most optimal role on the modern battlefield.
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