Germany pledges 1.1 billion Euro military aid to Ukraine featuring cutting-edge RCH 155 howitzers

The latest aid package to Ukraine includes 18 PzH 2000 howitzers, 120 thousand rounds of 122 mm caliber artillery, two Skynex air defense systems, and 100 missiles for the IRIS-T SLS system. Apart from this, the package also comprises RCH 155 howitzers, which have garnered considerable attention from Defense Romania.

"The weapon is at the forefront of artillery technology and is one of the most advanced 155 mm self-propelled howitzers", says Defense Romania. Widely recognized as one of the best machines of its kind globally, the howitzer epitomizes the zenith of artillery system technology with precision, mobility, and unrivalled firepower on the battlefield.

Many similarities tie the RCH 155 with the Polish Krab self-propelled howitzer. Resembling the Polish weapon, the Germans have also armed their design with a 155 mm caliber howitzer that is 52 calibers long. Another identical feature is the range of their shells. Engineered by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the equipment bombards adversary units within a radius of up to 40 km (approximately 54 km when firing a V-Lap projectile with an extended range).

A noteworthy feature of the RCH 155 is that it is the world's first howitzer equipped to shoot while in motion. This is a crucial system that enables evasion from enemy artillery fire. It becomes particularly useful in the current scenario where modern reconnaissance systems can detect firing positions once a shot is fired. This feature considerably complicates the identification of a constantly moving artillery.

The German self-propelled artillery boasts wheel propulsion, contrasting many other rival solutions that opt for caterpillar traction. The MTU 8V199 power unit delivers more than 800 horsepower to the howitzer’s eight wheels, enabling the machine to reach speeds exceeding 62 miles per hour. Additionally, the RCH 155's maximum range on a single refuel is 435 miles.

These features render the German design exceptionally mobile, allowing swift changes in position during combat, significantly enhancing the two-person crew's survival odds.