Germany Hands Over the First RCH 155 to Ukraine: Russia’s Headache Intensifies

This self-propelled, wheeled artillery is nearly fully autonomous.

KNDS

Germany has officially handed Ukraine its first cutting-edge RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer, a state-of-the-art artillery system that’s likely to give Russian forces even more reasons to rethink their foolish Ukraine invasion.

In fact, Ukraine will be the first user of the RCH 155 in combat in the world.

While the weapon won’t immediately hit the battlefield—it’ll remain in Germany for training—it’s a clear signal that Ukraine is continuing its trend of employing modern, deadly Western tech on the battlefield.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius presided over the ceremonial handover at KNDS’s Kassel factory where the RCH 155 was received by Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev.

With a mix of gravity and optimism, Makeiev stated, “When we sit at the negotiating table one day, it will be good to be covered by powerful German weapons.” Translation: When Russia finally gives up, it’ll know why.

The RCH 155 is a marvel of German engineering, blending the firepower of the Panzerhaubitze 2000’s 155mm howitzer with the speed and versatility of the Boxer-wheeled chassis. In a single move, Germany has managed to combine precision, mobility, and automation in a way that would make even NATO skeptics stand up and slow clap.

A Shooter’s Dream: Fast, Mobile, and Deadly

What sets the RCH 155 apart is its automated turret system, known as the Artillery Gun Module (AGM). Capable of firing up to nine rounds per minute, it can hit targets up to 33.5 miles away with long-range projectiles.

And unlike its older cousin, the Panzerhaubitze 2000, this beauty doesn’t need a crew of five to operate. Two people—yes, two—can handle the entire system, thanks to its high level of automation.

Even better, the RCH 155 is perfect for “shoot-and-scoot” operations. Fire, move, repeat. It’s like artillery warfare on roller skates, making it much harder for Russian counter-fire to strike back. Its ability to fire while on the move, thanks to advanced stabilization systems, further enhances its survivability.