The German-French defense association KNDS (KMW+Nexter Defense Systems) plans to deliver the first RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled artillery systems no sooner than April 2025.

KNDS Deutschland CEO Ralf Ketzel stated this in his interview with Hartpunkt.

In response to a journalist’s question about the development of the latest 155-mm RCH 155 self-propelled artillery system and its demand for the Bundeswehr, Ketzel stated that the company is currently producing the system for Ukraine and another foreign customer.

He added that the defense company plans to deliver the system to Ukraine in April 2025.

“Yes, we produce wheeled howitzers for Ukraine and for another international customer. And we hope to get a contract for the Bundeswehr soon. Initially, it will be about 80 vehicles. We will deliver the first systems to Ukraine in April next year,” he stated.

Ukraine’s plans to acquire RCH 155 for its artillery arsenal were announced on September 17, 2022.

At the time, it was reported that the country was interested in purchasing 18 units. The expected value of the deal was €216 million. Later, in January 2023, it was announced that production would begin.

RCH 155

The RСH 155 is based on the chassis of the GTK Boxer wheeled armored personnel carrier with an 8×8 wheel configuration.

The system has an automated AGM turret artillery module with the artillery part of the German PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer.

The AGM module is unmanned, so the crew of the RCH 155 system consists of only two people. The AGM module has a 30-round ammunition capacity.

The total combat weight of the vehicle is 39 tons, the weight of the AGM module is 12.5 tons. The vehicle is powered by an 815 hp MTU diesel engine.

The manufacturer claims that the range of fire is 40 km and up to 52 km with V-LAP projectiles. The self-propelled gun is also capable of using long-range VULCANO and EXCALIBUR shells.