Latest RCH 155 Self-Propelled Howitzer Already “Combat Proven” in Ukraine, KNDS Advisor Says

The German RCH 155 self-propelled artillery system has already passed combat testing.

Nicholas Drummond, an advisor to the German division of KNDS, announced this on his X account.

“I’m pleased to announce that two new words can now be used to describe the Boxer RCH155: “combat proven,” he shared.

Drummond did not specify where exactly the RCH 155 underwent combat testing. However, the system is currently operated only in Ukraine, while other customers — Qatar, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom — are still awaiting deliveries.

Deliveries of the RCH 155 to Ukraine were previously delayed as KNDS continued refining the systems based on feedback and operational experience from Ukrainian forces.

RCH 155 for Ukraine

Ukraine’s intention to acquire RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers became known on September 17, 2022, when it was reported that the country was interested in purchasing 18 units.

The initial plan called for 36 systems, later increased to 54. In January 2023, production of the systems began.

In autumn 2024, Militarnyi reported that KNDS planned to deliver the first six units to Ukraine no earlier than April 2025.

Later, in August of the same year, it was announced that deliveries were delayed due to ongoing system refinements.

RCH 155

The RCH 155 is built on the GTK Boxer 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle chassis. The system uses an automated AGM artillery module, derived from the gun system of the German PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer.

The AGM module is unmanned, reducing the RCH 155 crew to two personnel. The module carries 30 rounds of ammunition.

The system has a combat weight of 39 tons, with the AGM module weighing 12.5 tons. An 815 hp MTU diesel engine powers it.

The manufacturer states a firing range of 40 km, extending up to 52 km with V-LAP ammunition. The system is also capable of using long-range VULCANO and EXCALIBUR rounds.

Read more: “RCH 155 — Self-Propelled Howitzer That Fires While Moving.”