Ukraine Becomes First User of Germany’s RCH 155 Wheeled Howitzer

Ukraine has become the first recipient of the RCH 155 wheeled howitzer, a new artillery system developed by the German-French defense company KNDS.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius handed over the system to Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, at a ceremony in Kassel on January 13. The delivery took place before the system's introduction to the German Bundeswehr.

The RCH 155, which combines the weapons system of the Panzerhaubitze 2000 with the GTK Boxer’s mobility, is designed to provide enhanced artillery capabilities. It features a fully automated turret, enabling operations with a minimal crew of two—a commander and a driver. The system can fire while moving, has an extended operational range, and offers mobility that makes it harder to target.

Ukraine is set to receive 54 units of the RCH 155 under agreements made in 2022 and 2023. The first six units are scheduled for delivery in 2025. These systems will form part of Ukraine’s broader artillery resources, which include 54 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers expected by 2027. Germany has already supplied 25 Panzerhaubitze 2000 units, while international partners have contributed an additional 11.

Germany has trained over 420 Ukrainian soldiers in artillery-specific roles, including operations, crew management, and maintenance, at Bundeswehr facilities.

The RCH 155 is also slated for inclusion in Germany’s national defense strategy. A proposal for the procurement of 80 systems is under consideration, with funding expected from the Bundeswehr’s special budget. The U.K. has joined Germany as a cooperative partner to evaluate and further optimize the system.