The initial delivery of 18 RCH 155 units was authorised in summer 2022, with the first batch scheduled to arrive between December 2025 and 2027. An additional 18 units were approved in mid-2024, while the latest commitment of 18 howitzers was confirmed at the Ramstein summit. Six of these systems are expected to be delivered to Ukraine by the end of this year, enabling the Ukrainian Armed Forces to equip three self-propelled artillery battalions.
The RCH 155, developed by German defence manufacturer KNDS Deutschland (formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann), is based on the chassis of the GTK Boxer 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle. It features an unmanned rotating turret and a 155mm gun with a barrel length of 52 calibres, capable of firing up to nine rounds per minute. The maximum range depends on the ammunition used, reaching up to 54 kilometres with advanced shells.
The system boasts an onboard ammunition storage capacity of 30 shells and 144 propellant modules, while its operational weight remains below 39 tonnes. Despite its advanced capabilities, the RCH 155 requires a crew of just two soldiers. The use of the costly GTK Boxer chassis has attracted some criticism, as other manufacturers, including Rheinmetall and Czechoslovak Group, utilise military truck-based platforms for similar systems.
Ukraine joins a select group of nations acquiring the RCH 155, which includes the UK, Switzerland, Germany, and Qatar. Other potential users include Italy and the Netherlands. The system is expected to enhance Ukraine’s artillery capabilities significantly, providing a modern alternative to older platforms currently in service.
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