The first advanced German wheeled self-propelled howitzer, the RCH 155, was handed over to Ukraine during a ceremonial event at the KNDS facility in Kassel. The event was attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev.
This is the first of 54 RCH 155 units ordered by Germany for Ukraine under a contract signed at the end of 2022. The German KNDS segment is completing the work on schedule, despite this being the first order for these systems. As a result, Ukraine has officially become the first operator of the RCH 155.
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The deployment of the first RCH 155 artillery systems on the battlefield is expected to take some time. Preparations are necessary, including crew training and the production of a sufficient number of units to form at least a battery-sized unit. Receiving all 54 contracted RCH 155 systems, however, will take several years under any circumstances.
Although Ukraine is the first operator of this self-propelled howitzer, it is unlikely to be the last. In the spring of 2024, the United Kingdom selected the RCH 155 mounted on the Boxer wheeled combat vehicle with a 8x8 chassis. These units are intended to replace the AS-90 howitzers and strengthen the UK’s artillery capabilities, with a total of 116 units planned for delivery.
In the fall of 2023, Switzerland decided to adopt the artillery component of the RCH 155 and mount it on its Piranha IV vehicle, featuring a unique 10x10 chassis. Italy is also considering this system as a replacement for its FH70 towed howitzers. Additionally, the Bundeswehr plans to procure 80 units of the RCH 155 for its own forces.

The Netherlands and the United States are also named as potential buyers of the RCH 155. Notably, this German self-propelled howitzer on a Piranha 10x10 chassis is one of the potential contenders in the U.S. Army’s competition for a new artillery system.
The RCH 155 represents a new generation of self-propelled howitzers with full automation. It features an unmanned turret equipped with a 155-mm howitzer with a barrel length of 52 calibers, similar to the PzH 2000. This enables record-breaking firing ranges of over 40 kilometers and even 50 kilometers, with the latest Vulcano rounds reaching up to 70 kilometers.

The system includes an autoloader and automated aiming, enabling a rate of fire exceeding eight rounds per minute, with an ammunition capacity of up to 30 rounds. The RCH 155 is operated by a crew of only 2–3 personnel. A unique feature of this self-propelled howitzer is its ability to fire while on the move.
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