Ukraine to receive cutting-edge RCH 155 artillery by end of 2024

Ukraine will receive the RCH 155 self-propelled artillery before the end of 2024. This weapon has not been used in combat by any military in the world so far. We explain its capabilities.

According to the Army Recognition portal, German General Christian Freuding confirmed the planned transfer. The statement about the RCH 155 is part of a video published on the official Bundeswehr profile on YouTube.

At the moment, it is not clear how large the first batch of RCH 155s to be sent to Ukraine before the end of this year will be. It will certainly not include all of these systems, as earlier information indicated that the Franco-German consortium KNDS will produce as many as 54 units of the RCH 155 for Ukraine.

This weapon is expected to be a significant boost for the Ukrainians. As explained by Łukasz Michalik, a journalist for Wirtualna Polska, the RCH 155 is a modern weapon with unique capabilities that no other howitzers in the world offer. It is presented this way in part due to its ability to fire while on the move, which is a complete novelty in this category of equipment. In this respect, it surpasses even the Polish Krabs. Unlike most NATO artillery systems, the RCH 155 also differs in its chassis and wheeled (not tracked) traction.

The designers used a 155 mm caliber barrel with a length of 52 calibers. In addition, the turret accommodates an ammunition magazine (30 shells and propellant charges) and an automatic loader. Using standard ammunition, the crew can expect a range of up to about 25 miles (with V-LAP rounds, it will be greater). The rate of fire is estimated at nine rounds per minute.

Despite being over 33 feet long and weighing about 86,000 pounds, the RCH 155 is expected to have very good mobility. The 8x8 drive and powerful engine will ensure, according to the designers, a maximum speed of up to 62 mph. For comparison, Polish Krabs reach speeds of up to about 43 mph. On a single tank of fuel, the RCH 155 can cover a distance of up to about 435 miles.

The Army Recognition portal noted that Ukrainian soldiers will be the first to test this highly automated artillery system in combat conditions. The effects of using the RCH 155 against Russian forces will likely be closely monitored by other countries interested in acquiring the RCH 155 for their armies. Currently, among NATO artillery in Ukraine are the German PzH 2000, French CAESARs, and Polish AHS Krab.