RCH 155
The RCH 155 is a wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.
The RCH 155 Module takes the firepower and the range of the PzH 2000 by using its gun, and combines it with an automated and remotely controlled gun module.
The intention of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with this system was to create the ideal combination of artillery automation and protected wheeled mobility.
Origin
The RCH-155 module is very similar to the Artillery Gun Module, but has a lower profile. The AGM was designed to have the firepower of the PzH 2000 in an air-portable package with the A400M aircraft this was possible when installed on an ASCOD 2 platform.In 2014 with interest in installing the AGM on the Boxer, questions arose regarding its capacity to meet this requirement. KMW produced a modified variant of the AGM in 2021, the RCH 155. The RCH 155 has a turret with a significantly lower profile.
German selection
The German launched a programme for a future wheeled artillery system known as the "Zukünftiges System Indirektes Feuer mittlere Reichweite".In October 2023, the RCH-155 was mentioned as the winner of the competition, as the option from Rheinmetall was still in development and not yet mature. The target back then was hopefully for 168 systems, realistically the budget was for 120 systems.
In December 2025, the Bundestag voted the budget for a framework agreement for 500 systems, more precisely:
- 4 prototypes
- Germany:
- * 80 RCH-155 to be ordered in 2025
- * 149 to be ordered in 2026
- 271 available for export at German price condition.
Design
Special features
The RCH 155 is the world's first howitzer that can fire while in motion. This is mainly to avoid enemy counter-artillery fire, as modern counter-battery radars such as COBRA can be used to reconnoitre fire positions after firing in near real-time. The RCH 155 is also able to use its gun in direct fire for self defense.Its traverse and firing controls allow firing the gun at targets in the vicinity, such as an enemy tank, in a direct-fire, rather than indirect artillery mode.
Taken together, quick acquisition of target, direct-fire and "shoot-and-scoot" capabilities mean the RCH 155 could be considered to have a hunter-killer role similar to main battle tanks as it is able to quickly acquire targets in line-of-sight and prosecute them while on the move, or at least moving quickly out afterwards without remaining open to easy counter-fire. This capability, however, is for self-defence and is not its main role.
The RCH 155 is highly automated and is theorised to eventually be capable of operating entirely remotely.
Specifications
Production
Rheinmetall signed a contract in December 2025 for the delivery of the weapon system and the electronic system, worth around €1.2 billion for the 84 first systems ordered by Germany and the UK.Operators
Current operators
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Future operators
;Prototypes;