Germany has placed its first production order for the RCH155 wheeled howitzer, moving to introduce a new remote-controlled artillery system into service under a long-term framework agreement that could eventually reach 500 vehicles.
According to the announcement, the German Armed Forces awarded the order to ARTEC GmbH. The contract covers the first 84 RCH155 systems and is based on a framework agreement between ARTEC and Germany’s Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, known as BAAINBw. The framework allows for up to 500 RCH155 howitzers to be procured and can be accessed by other nations.
The order value for ARTEC for the initial batch of 84 wheeled howitzers, along with associated training equipment, service, and logistical support, is around €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027 and conclude in 2029.
ARTEC is a joint venture between KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and is responsible for the Boxer family of armored vehicles. Under the program, Rheinmetall will supply the electrical systems, software, and 155 mm weapon systems for the RCH155 to ARTEC.
The RCH155, short for Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm, combines the automatic and remotely controlled Artillery Gun Module with the protection and mobility of the Boxer wheeled armored vehicle. The system is designed to provide the firepower and range associated with tracked artillery while offering higher road mobility and reduced crew requirements.
Company says the fully automatic weapon system allows firing on the move, a feature intended to reduce vulnerability during shoot-and-scoot operations. Targets can be engaged with precision at ranges of up to 40 kilometers. The system is also designed for rapid readiness and sustained operations over long distances on roads, reflecting an emphasis on mobility.
Compared with the Panzerhaubitze 2000, Germany’s current tracked self-propelled howitzer, the RCH155 allows for a reduced crew of two soldiers—a commander and a driver—due to its high level of automation. This design is intended to ease personnel demands while maintaining artillery output.
The first operational user of the RCH155 is Ukraine. Ukraine has directly ordered 54 RCH155 systems from KNDS Germany in three batches. As with the German order, Rheinmetall is supplying the electrical systems, software, and weapon systems for the Ukrainian vehicles.
The RCH155 has drawn interest beyond Germany and Ukraine. The United Kingdom has also stated its intention to procure the system. The heads of government of Germany and the United Kingdom announced a corresponding cooperation agreement in April 2024, signaling potential future orders under the same framework.
German officials have highlighted that the framework agreement structure allows allied nations to join the program without negotiating separate baseline contracts, potentially shortening procurement timelines and improving interoperability among users.
