Germany Signs First Agreement for RCH 155 Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzers for Its Army

The German Armed Forces have signed their first firm large-scale contract to purchase 84 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers under a framework agreement covering up to 500 systems.

KNDS Deutschland announced the deal in a press release.

In addition to the 84 RCH 155 howitzers, the contract includes training equipment as well as service and logistics support. The order’s total value is estimated at approximately €1.2 billion.

The purchase is based on a framework agreement between the Federal Office for Armaments, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) and ARTEC, allowing for the procurement of up to 500 RCH 155 systems, which may also be ordered by other countries.

ARTEC is a joint venture between KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall, established specifically to perform orders for the RCH 155.

Shortly before the contract was signed, reports indicated that the Bundeswehr’s initial plan assumed the procurement of four prototypes, one of which was intended for the UK, followed by 80 serial systems at a cost of just over €1 billion. Deliveries of these systems are expected to take place between 2028 and the end of 2030.

Overall, the German Army plans to field around 229 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers. The United Kingdom intends to acquire its own batch, around 70 systems, under a separate contract. The remaining systems covered by the framework agreement are earmarked for potential orders by other countries.

In October 2025, the German Army formed a new 215th Artillery Battalion within the 21st Panzer Brigade. It will be the first Bundeswehr unit to operate the RCH 155.

Organizationally, the battalion will follow the standard structure of artillery units, consisting of three gun batteries equipped with self-propelled howitzers, as well as a dedicated logistics element.

Ukraine is expected to be the first operational user of the RCH 155. In 2022, Ukraine initially planned to purchase 18 RCH 155 systems, but the order was later increased to 36 units and subsequently expanded to 54.

The delivery of the first systems was repeatedly delayed due to difficulties KNDS faced in ramping up production. In January 2025, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius formally transferred the first of the 54 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers to the Ukrainian ambassador in Kassel.

However, in August 2025, it was announced that the RCH 155 systems destined for Ukraine were again delayed, as they were undergoing modifications based on feedback from the Ukrainian military.

This was confirmed by Ralf Ketzel, Head of KNDS Germany, who said at the time that the system still faced technical issues, which the company was addressing in close coordination with the Ukrainian side.