The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have placed an order with KNDS Deutschland for 84 RCH 155 wheeled howitzers, following a contract agreed through ARTEC.
The agreement, valued at approximately €1.2bn ($1.4bn), also includes training equipment as well as service and logistical support.
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ARTEC is a joint venture between KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Landsysteme.
The purchase forms part of a wider framework arrangement between the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and ARTEC, which covers up to 500 RCH 155 systems.
Other countries may also make procurements under this framework.
The RCH 155 combines an unmanned, automated artillery gun module with the BOXER wheeled armoured vehicle chassis, allowing for operation while moving.
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By GlobalDataThe system is designed to deliver the capabilities of a modern artillery platform and is based on technological developments from the PzH 2000.
According to KNDS, the howitzer will serve as the principal artillery weapon for Germany’s recently created “Medium Forces” within its army structure.
Among the technical features of the RCH 155 are a 155mm/L52 gun capable of firing up to 54km, fully automated loading and operation systems, and the ability to carry 30 projectiles fitted with fuzes.
The howitzer includes an electronic fire control system, integrated navigation options with or without GPS, and optional self-protection measures such as remotely operated weapon stations and smoke grenade launchers.
It is equipped with systems for crew protection including nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) defence, automatic fire detection and suppression, cooling and heating provisions, and built-in diagnostic tools.
The system architecture is network-based and designed for future integration with autonomous driving and firing technologies.
The fire control system supports both current and forthcoming NATO JBMOU-compatible ammunition types.
According to KNDS, these characteristics enable new operational approaches such as engaging moving targets and allow for increased autonomy in command and fire control.
