Germany tests RHC155 artillery systems for Ukraine

Germany started testing the RCH155 artillery systems. Ukraine will be the first to order these howitzers, according to Welt.

"The test has already started; the first customer will be Ukraine," the message said.

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The modern artillery systems RCH155 produced by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann arms industry company is the next generation of howitzers. The self-propelled howitzer uses 155mm shells, just like the Panzerhaubitze 2000.

However, it is based on the Boxer machine, which has eight wheels and develops a speed of over 100 km/h (contrary to the tracked Panzerhaubitze 2000).

The new system has many advantages. Firstly, the ability to fire while moving makes it difficult to detect and impress.  The system fires nine projectiles per minute and can target at a distance of 40 to 50 kilometers or even more, depending on the type of ammunition.

The crew of the RCH155 consists of 2 people, not 5, as on the Panzerhaubitze 2000.

"With the Panzerhaubitze 2000, the military has always relied on the 'shoot and run' strategy, that is, fire and then run," the publication emphasizes.

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled gun is already one of the most potent artillery weapons in the world. The Bundeswehr has used it since 1998. It should be noted that Germany and the Netherlands delivered 14 units of such self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine.

Back in July 2022, Ukraine asked Berlin to supply a modern howitzer. In December, the German government approved the sale of such systems.

This makes Ukraine the first customer of one of the most advanced German weapons. The publication writes that the order price will reach about 216 million euros, financed by the Federal to assist Ukraine.

According to a list of military aid to Ukraine on the federal government's website, Berlin plans to supply Ukraine with 18 RCH155s. However, the systems will be delivered 30 months after the contract is signed.

It should be noted that Ukraine became the first user of the Iris T air defense system, which the Bundeswehr has not yet used.