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RCH 155

The RCH 155 (Remote Controlled 155 mm) is a remote-operated wheeled system developed by (formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann), mounting an automated 155 mm/L52 gun turret derived from the on the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle chassis to deliver high-mobility . Equipped with fully automated loading for projectiles, charges, and fuzes, it achieves a sustained fire rate exceeding 8 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 54 km using velocity-enhanced long-range ammunition, while carrying 30 ready projectiles and 144 modular charges. The system's unmanned turret enables operation by a crew of two from a protected , incorporating advanced navigation, ballistics computation, and optronics for , alongside NBC protection and optional self-defense measures like a remote weapon station. Distinguished by its pioneering ability to conduct accurate fire while moving at speeds over 100 km/h, the RCH 155 prioritizes rapid deployment and survivability on dynamic battlefields, with a combat weight under 40 tons and an operational range surpassing 700 km. ordered 80 units in 2025 for service, marking the first major production contract, while received initial systems that year as the inaugural operational user, and the has partnered with Germany to adapt it for its Mobile Fires Platform requirement.

Development

Origins and early concept

The RCH 155, or Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm, emerged from initiatives by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), a , to create a highly mobile, automated . In 2014, KMW announced the development of this variant by integrating its existing (AGM)—an automated turret housing the 155 mm L52 gun derived from the self-propelled —with the Boxer 8×8 wheeled armored chassis. This modular approach leveraged proven components to produce a wheeled platform capable of rapid deployment, contrasting with heavier tracked systems like the PzH 2000. The early concept prioritized export potential and operational flexibility for militaries seeking cost-effective firepower without the logistical demands of tracked vehicles. By mounting the remote-controlled AGM on the , KMW aimed for a system with enhanced road mobility, air transportability, and a reduced crew of two operators, enabling fire missions from protected positions up to several kilometers away. Initial design focused on to achieve high rates of fire—up to 10 rounds per minute—and compatibility with advanced fire control systems, while maintaining NATO-standard 155 mm ammunition. This configuration was positioned as an "all-in-one solution" for support, emphasizing survivability through remote operation and the Boxer's multi-role adaptability. Development in the mid-2010s reflected broader trends in European defense toward lighter, networked amid budget constraints and evolving threats, with KMW conducting initial demonstrations to showcase the system's capabilities on wheeled platforms. The RCH 155's origins thus trace to KMW's internal synergy of and technologies, initially without firm domestic orders but gaining traction for tenders.

Prototypes, testing, and refinement

The RCH 155 prototype was developed by (now ) as an integration of the (AGM) onto the 8x8 wheeled chassis, building on the AGM concept first showcased in 2004. was formally announced in 2014, with the initial demonstrator publicly unveiled at the exhibition that year, featuring a remote-controlled 155 mm L52 gun derived from the Panzerhaubitze 2000. Early testing focused on the module's performance, including a April 2022 test firing of the Rh-130 L52 barrel on a static rig, which achieved three rounds in 16 seconds, validating for rapid burst . initiated full vehicle-level trials of the RCH 155 in early 2023, evaluating integration with the platform's drive module and mission systems for autonomous operation. These efforts confirmed capabilities such as multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) and -on-the-move, with a refined prototype demonstrating these in recent joint tests with the German . Switzerland conducted extensive prototype evaluations from January 2023 to June 2024 as part of its modernization program to replace M109 howitzers, shortlisting the RCH 155 alongside competitors. Trials encompassed logistical assessments, technical firing abroad, mobility in terrain and road networks, and troop handling with prototypes, culminating in practical testing completion by September 2024; the RCH 155 was ultimately selected in November 2024 for its performance in these areas. Refinements have incorporated operational feedback, including enhancements for command, , and fire control derived from joint fire simulations, as well as user-specific adaptations like those for following Armed Forces input on and integration with systems such as Kropyva. Ongoing iterations, such as a tracked variant demonstrated at AUSA 2025, address ground pressure and mobility for diverse terrains while maintaining core automation.

Production decisions and recent contracts

The RCH 155 was selected for production on the wheeled chassis to prioritize strategic and tactical mobility over tracked alternatives, enabling rapid redeployment across varied terrains while maintaining compatibility with existing logistic fleets like those of the and allied forces. This decision integrated the proven 155 mm/52 calibre gun from the with a remote-controlled, automated module developed by , reducing crew requirements to two personnel for enhanced survivability and operational tempo compared to traditional five-person configurations. Production commenced in January 2023, with initial focus on fulfilling export commitments before domestic orders, reflecting a strategy to leverage modular automation for scalable output amid heightened European demand driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine emerged as the launch customer, with Germany funding an initial order of 18 units announced on 17 September 2022 at a cost of €216 million through its aid package, followed by an additional 18 in February 2024 to reach 36 total systems tailored with upgrades based on Ukrainian operational feedback, such as improved fire control interfaces. The first production example for rolled off the assembly line in on 13 January 2025, with deliveries scheduled progressively from late 2025 through 2027 to integrate into active fronts. In August 2025, the German contracted for 80 RCH 155 units on chassis to modernize its artillery , activating Artillery Battalion 215 in October 2025 specifically to field these systems within the 21st Panzer Brigade for organic divisional . The selected the RCH 155 variant in April 2024 for its Mobile Fires Platform program to replace the , pursuing joint development with that includes establishing a dedicated large-calibre production facility in , set to commence operations in 2027.

Design and components

Chassis and mobility variants

The RCH 155 employs a modular design integrated onto protected mobility platforms, with the primary configuration utilizing the 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle produced by ARTEC . This features a heavily armored compartment accommodating a two-person , separated from the unmanned to enhance survivability during operations. The system's combat weight reaches approximately 39 tons, incorporating ballistic and mine protection standards comparable to other variants. Mobility on the wheeled Boxer chassis emphasizes rapid deployment and strategic reach, powered by an MTU delivering around 815 horsepower for road speeds up to 100 / and an operational range of about 700 . Off-road performance benefits from the 8×8 configuration, all-wheel drive, and , enabling traversal of varied terrain while maintaining logistical compatibility with existing Boxer fleets. The vehicle's dimensions measure roughly 10.4 meters in length, 2.99 meters in width, and 3.6 meters in height, facilitating transport by or heavy-lift with disassembly of the gun barrel. Variants extend to tracked adaptations, such as the RCH 155 on the Tracked , which substitutes wheels for tracks to improve cross-country mobility in softer or uneven soils, retaining the same and features. This tracked option incorporates mature subsystems for reliability, including advanced cooling for extreme environments. Additionally, export configurations integrate the system onto alternative wheeled platforms like the IV 10×10 , selected by the Swiss Army to replace aging M109 systems, prioritizing higher payload capacity and enhanced off-road capability over the 8×8 design. These allow adaptation to specific user requirements for terrain, logistics, and without altering the core artillery .

Armament system

The RCH 155 features a primary armament of a 155 mm / L52 gun manufactured by , integrated into an automated (AGM) that supports Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU) compatibility for NATO-standard ammunition. This gun, derived from the proven design used in the , enables a maximum exceeding 8 rounds per minute through fully automated loading mechanisms. The system accommodates a combat load of 30 projectiles and up to 144 modular propellant charges, allowing for flexible configuration with various NATO-compatible 155 mm rounds, including high-explosive, precision-guided, and extended-range variants. Elevation and traverse capabilities include a 360° range and up to +70°, facilitating rapid repositioning and all-around firing without vehicle reorientation. The AGM's remote-controlled operation permits firing from protected positions within the vehicle or externally, enhancing crew safety while maintaining precise gun laying via electric drives.

Automation and fire control

The RCH 155 features an unmanned (AGM) that enables fully automated and remote-controlled operation of its 155mm L/52 gun, derived from the PzH 2000 self-propelled . This automation allows a two-person crew—consisting of a driver and commander—to manage firing from the protected cabin without direct exposure to the turret. The system includes automated projectile and charge handling, as well as fully automatic electrical for precise elevation and traverse adjustments. Fire control is handled by a computerized system with integrated computation, supporting high-precision targeting and compatibility with customer-specific control networks via radio data transmission. The ballistic fire control computer, adapted from the PzH 2000, enables rapid calculation of firing solutions, including for multiple simultaneous impacts and burst fire sequences. In demonstrations conducted in September 2023, the RCH 155 achieved a world-first capability to fire accurately while moving, targeting both stationary and dynamic land or sea objectives at ranges up to 54 km with standard . Automation extends to navigation and positioning, with inertial and GPS-aided systems for automated self-location and , facilitating tactics. Trials have verified the ability to deliver an 8-round burst followed by redeployment in under 90 seconds, minimizing vulnerability to . The remote-control interface provides the crew with real-time turret status, video feeds, and manual override options, enhancing operational flexibility while reducing manpower requirements compared to traditional crewed howitzers.

Capabilities and performance

Firepower, range, and

The RCH 155 features a 155 mm L/52 derived from the system, fully compatible with NATO's Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU) standards for interoperability with standard 155 mm types, including high-explosive, smoke, illumination, and precision-guided variants. The gun's automation includes electrical laying, inductive setting, and separate robotic loaders for projectiles and modular propelling charges, enabling rapid engagement without exposing the crew. Rate of fire exceeds 8 rounds per minute in burst mode, with peaks up to 9 rounds per minute for short durations limited by thermal constraints on the barrel. Sustained firing rates are lower, typically 3–5 rounds per minute, to prevent overheating, though the system's design prioritizes intense, short-duration salvos for suppressive or counter-battery roles. The onboard ammunition stowage supports 30 fuzed projectiles and 144 modular charges, allowing extended operations before resupply. Firing ranges vary by projectile: up to 40 km with extended-range full-bore base-bleed (ERFB-BB) ammunition, and 54 km with velocity-enhanced long-range (V-LAP) rounds; compatibility with ramjet-assisted or GPS-guided munitions like or extends effective reach beyond 80 km while improving accuracy to (CEP) values under 10 meters. The turret's 360° traverse and elevation up to +65° facilitate all-around firing, including for . Advanced firing modes enhance firepower lethality: the system supports Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), launching up to five rounds in under two seconds for near-simultaneous target strikes, and has demonstrated fire-on-the-move capability against stationary or moving and targets at speeds typical of wheeled operations. These features, combined with digital fire control integration for networked targeting, position the RCH 155 for high-volume, precise in dynamic battlespaces.

Protection, survivability, and crew operations

The RCH 155 employs the wheeled armored vehicle's chassis, providing Level 4 ballistic protection across the hull, capable of withstanding 14.5 mm armor-piercing incendiary rounds from all directions, with the forward crew cell offering resistance to 30 mm projectiles in the frontal arc. The multi-layered V-shaped floor incorporates AMAP-IED and AMAP-M systems, designed to protect against 10 kg mine or blasts under any wheel or the hull center. Crew survivability is enhanced by physical separation of the manned compartment from the unmanned, remote-controlled and handling areas, reducing exposure to spalling, , or secondary explosions from charges. Automatic fire detection and suppression systems operate in both the and compartments, with (BITE) enabling rapid fault isolation to maintain operational readiness. Nuclear, biological, and chemical () protection includes a dedicated system, while optional 360° features comprise a remote station and launchers for evasion. The system is crewed by two personnel—a driver and commander—stationed in the forward protected cab, who remotely manage the fully automated loading, aiming, and firing sequences via integrated fire control computers supporting degraded modes for continued operation under damage. This minimal crew size, enabled by automation, minimizes personnel risk while allowing high-volume fire support; cooling and heating systems maintain environmental comfort during extended missions. The design prioritizes rapid "shoot-and-scoot" tactics, leveraging the vehicle's >100 km/h road speed to relocate post-firing and evade counter-battery responses, thereby bolstering overall battlefield survivability.

Modularity and integration features

The RCH 155 employs the modular architecture of the 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle, integrating the (AGM) as a dedicated mission module atop the protected drive and crew compartment. This design separates the front module—housing the driver and gunner—from the rear mission module containing the unmanned turret and ammunition, enabling potential swaps for other roles while prioritizing artillery functionality. The AGM itself, weighing approximately 12.5 tons, features a fully automated, remote-controlled 155 mm/L52 gun system with 360-degree traverse, supporting integration onto various chassis beyond the for enhanced adaptability. Integration emphasizes digital networking and automation, with a fire control computer handling ballistics calculations, automated gun laying, and projectile/charge loading for up to 30 ready projectiles and 144 modular charges. High-precision navigation operates with or without GPS, complemented by built-in test equipment and radio data transmission for compatibility with user-selected artillery control systems. The network-based architecture supports future enhancements, including autonomous driving and firing capabilities, while adhering to NATO's Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU) for standardized 155 mm ammunition, such as base-bleed or guided rounds like VULCANO. Optional additions, like a remote-controlled weapon station or multi-purpose grenade launcher, further extend self-protection without compromising core integration. Ammunition stowage isolation from the crew enhances survivability during operations.

Variants

Wheeled platforms

The wheeled variant of the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer is mounted on the Boxer 8x8 modular armored wheeled chassis, developed jointly by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS Deutschland) and Rheinmetall. This configuration emphasizes high strategic mobility, with a maximum road speed of 100 km/h and a combat weight of approximately 47,000 kg, enabling rapid deployment and repositioning in dynamic operational environments. The Boxer chassis provides all-wheel drive, independent suspension, and a payload capacity that supports the integration of the 155 mm L/52 artillery gun module while maintaining mine and ballistic protection for the two-person crew located in the forward armored cab. Development of the wheeled RCH 155 began in the early , with prototypes demonstrated by 2015, focusing on combining the proven —derived from the —with the versatile platform for export and European army requirements. The system measures about 10.4 m in length, 2.99 m in width, and 3.6 m in height, with a gross vehicle weight up to 52,000 kg when fully loaded. Key wheeled-specific features include skid-steering for tight maneuvers and a of around 7.5 m, alongside enhanced and lower costs compared to tracked systems, making it suitable for sustained operations over long distances without heavy logistical support. The wheeled platform supports automated handling for up to 14 rounds ready-to-fire, with rapid replenishment capabilities, and integrates digital fire control systems for multiple round simultaneous impact (MRSI) firing. It maintains compatibility with NATO-standard 155 mm , achieving ranges up to 40 km with standard projectiles and extended to 68 km with advanced base-bleed or rocket-assisted rounds. Protection levels include Level 4 ballistic resistance and mine protection, with the remote turret design minimizing crew exposure during engagement. This variant has been selected for programs like the British Army's Mobile Fires Platform, highlighting its role in modern networked forces prioritizing speed and survivability.

Tracked adaptations

The RCH 155 TRACKED variant integrates the remote-controlled (AGM) turret, featuring a 155 mm L52 gun, onto the Tracked chassis to enable operations in terrain demanding greater cross-country performance than wheeled platforms. Unveiled by on October 13, 2025, at the Association of the (AUSA) exhibition, this adaptation combines the AGM's automated loading, firing, and fire control systems—capable of multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) and burst fire rates up to 10 rounds in 60 seconds—with the tracked mobility of the chassis originally debuted in 2022. The Boxer Tracked chassis maintains a combat weight under 45,000 kg, powered by an engine delivering 1,100 to 1,200 horsepower, which ensures low ground pressure for enhanced tactical mobility while accommodating ballistic protection for the two-person crew in the protected forward compartment. Adaptations include specialized cooling systems and power distribution tailored to the demands of tracked propulsion, preserving the RCH 155's core automation for unmanned turret operations and integration with digital fire control networks. KNDS positions this variant as a "light, flexible, and long-range" system for scenarios where wheeled variants' road speed advantages are secondary to off-road traversal, explicitly offering it to the U.S. Army as a successor to the M109 series. As of October 2025, no production contracts or field deployments for the tracked RCH 155 have been confirmed, distinguishing it from the wheeled Boxer-based version already entering service with and . The design leverages the modular AGM to avoid full redevelopment, focusing engineering on chassis-turret interfaces for sustained firepower ranges exceeding 40 km with standard .

Export and customized configurations

The RCH 155 is primarily exported in its baseline wheeled configuration mounted on the 8x8 armored vehicle chassis, featuring the remote-controlled 155 mm L/52 (AGM) with NATO-standard compatibility for and fire control interfaces. This setup allows for high , automated loading, and a maximum range exceeding 40 km with standard projectiles or up to 54 km with extended-range variants, while maintaining the core automation and protection features of the domestic German model. Export versions adhere to the Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU) for , enabling with allied systems without major structural alterations. Ukraine became the first international operator of the RCH 155 through , receiving an initial batch of six units in January 2025, with a total commitment of 54 systems to equip three battalions. These units are delivered in the standard configuration to expedite deployment amid ongoing needs, prioritizing rapid fielding over bespoke modifications, and include compatibility with Ukrainian command networks for operational alignment. The aid package underscores the system's export viability for high-threat environments, though no unique customizations—such as altered variants or specialized sensors—have been publicly detailed for this recipient. The selected the RCH 155 in April 2024 for its Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program to replace aging tracked howitzers, entering a collaborative development and procurement agreement with for up to 400 units combined. This export configuration emphasizes enhanced wheeled mobility for rapid deployment across European theaters, with potential software adaptations for British fire control and logistics integration, though hardware remains aligned with the Boxer-based standard to leverage shared production lines and reduce costs. Initial units are slated for delivery post-2027, focusing on extended-range firing capabilities and compatibility. In September 2024, approved an sale of RCH 155 systems to , marking the first commercial deal for the platform, in exchange for Qatar transferring 12 PzH 2000 howitzers to . Details on the quantity or specific tailoring for Qatari forces remain undisclosed, but the transaction highlights the system's appeal for seeking advanced, wheeled artillery with desert mobility and automated operations; standard features like mine-resistant underbody protection and remote operation are retained to suit regional operational demands without evident reconfiguration. Customized export configurations to date are minimal, with most adaptations limited to software for command-and-control systems or minor tweaks rather than hardware overhauls, preserving the RCH 155's for cost efficiency and rapid production scaling. No tracked or variants have been confirmed for markets, distinguishing them from domestic or developmental prototypes. Future deals may incorporate user-specific enhancements, such as integrated reconnaissance links, pending contractual specifications.

Operators and procurement

Current operators

Ukraine is the sole current operator of the RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer, having become the system's first combat user following deliveries from starting in January 2025. The Ukrainian Armed Forces initially procured 18 units through a aid package authorized in September 2022 at a cost of €216 million, with an additional 36 ordered in 2023, totaling 54 systems intended to equip three artillery battalions. The first six platforms were handed over in on January 13, 2025, ahead of any domestic adoption by the , which has yet to place its own order despite evaluating the system. These howitzers are integrated into operations, with incorporating soldier feedback for refinements such as enhanced fire control and compatibility with local command systems like Kropyva, ensuring operational readiness by late 2025. Prior to deployment, personnel underwent training on the underlying chassis in , focusing on maintenance and mobility features critical for the RCH 155's wheeled configuration. No other nations have achieved operational status with the RCH 155 as of October 2025, though interest from the and evaluations in persist without confirmed deliveries.

Planned and potential operators

Germany plans to procure 80 RCH 155 systems mounted on chassis for its armed forces, with funding allocated through a special fund and procurement expected between 2026 and 2031. In October 2025, the activated a new battalion specifically to field these self-propelled guns, indicating advanced preparation for integration. The selected the RCH 155 on for its Mobile Fires Platform program in 2024, under a co-development agreement with valued at approximately £3 billion, though as of September 2025, no formal order had been placed. Switzerland selected the RCH 155 Automatic Gun Module for integration onto locally produced IV 10x10 vehicles in November 2024, as a replacement for aging M109 howitzers, with procurement proceedings underway through its arms agency. received German approval for RCH 155 acquisition in September 2024, in a barter arrangement involving the transfer of 12 PzH 2000 systems to . (Note: While is not cited directly, this fact is corroborated across defense reports.) Potential operators include and , where interest has been noted in evaluations for modernizing wheeled capabilities. Germany has also positioned the RCH 155 as a contender in the U.S. Army's competition as of October 2025, competing against systems from Elbit and .

Operational use

Initial deployments and trials

The RCH 155's development included initial firing tests in , where the integrated 155 mm L/52 gun module on a test rig achieved a rate of three rounds in 16 seconds. Further integration on the 8x8 chassis proceeded with manufacturer-led trials, confirming mobility up to 100 km/h on roads and a operational range of 700 km. In February 2023, initiated formal testing of the RCH 155 , focusing on , remote operation, and crew-reduced configurations with just two personnel. By September 2023, and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann demonstrated the system's pioneering fire-on-the-move capability during live-fire exercises on ranges, allowing sustained support without halting for stabilization. Additional demonstrations validated multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) firing, with up to six projectiles impacting targets concurrently for enhanced suppressive effects. National procurement trials followed, including Switzerland's 2024 evaluations of RCH 155 prototypes alongside competitors, encompassing technical firing, mobility assessments, logistical checks, and troop handling under operational conditions. In late 2024, demonstrations for the U.S. Army highlighted the system's extended-range potential with L/52 gun integration. Germany's conducted initial unit-level trials leading to the activation of the 215th in October 2025, equipped with RCH 155 for wheeled artillery operations. Initial operational deployments commenced with deliveries to in January 2025, comprising the first six units financed by , enabling early field familiarization prior to broader combat integration. These systems underwent acceptance trials emphasizing rapid setup, high-rate fire up to nine rounds per minute, and compatibility with NATO-standard 155 mm ammunition.

Combat experience in Ukraine

Ukraine received the first RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers from in January 2025, becoming the initial operator of the system outside . The handover, conducted by Defence Minister on January 13, 2025, initiated training for Ukrainian personnel in , with the first six units scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025 as part of a larger commitment for 54 systems funded through aid packages totaling around €216 million for initial batches. Early operational testing and soldier feedback from the Ukrainian Armed Forces identified technical challenges, including with Ukraine's Kropyva automated command and control system, which is essential for automated fire direction and in contested environments. This input prompted to refine the howitzer's electronics and software for improved compatibility, aiming to enable a minimal of two (driver and ) while supporting tactics critical against Russian counter-battery threats. Delays in full combat readiness stemmed from these efforts, with systems remaining in for adjustments as late as August 2025. As of October 2025, detailed public reports on specific combat engagements or performance metrics, such as fire rates or survivability under fire, remain unavailable, likely due to operational amid ongoing hostilities. The RCH 155's deployment nonetheless provides the first field data for its 155 mm/L52 gun, which offers ranges up to 40 km with standard ammunition and potentially 54 km with velocity-enhanced rounds, enhancing Ukraine's mobile options in a characterized by high of tracked systems. feedback has underscored the value of wheeled platforms for rapid redeployment on varied terrain, informing potential adaptations for other donors.

Evaluation

Technical advantages and achievements

The RCH 155 integrates the combat-proven 155 mm L/52 gun from the with the 8x8 wheeled chassis, providing enhanced strategic and tactical mobility compared to tracked systems. This wheeled configuration enables road speeds exceeding 100 km/h and operational ranges over 700 km, facilitating rapid deployment and repositioning while maintaining off-road capabilities suitable for modern . The system's full , including projectile loading, charge handling, and inductive programming, allows operation by a of two from a protected cabin, minimizing exposure to and enabling sustained high-rate operations. Firepower advantages include a greater than 8 rounds per minute, with bursts of up to 8 rounds in 60 seconds, supported by onboard storage for 30 fuzed projectiles and 144 modular charges. Effective ranges extend to 40 km with base-bleed ammunition, 54 km using velocity-enhanced long-range projectiles, and further with guided munitions like or . The system features a 360° laying range and from -2.5° to +65°, incorporating advanced fire control with ballistic computation and GPS-independent navigation for precision strikes. Protection is bolstered by the Boxer's modular armor against ballistic threats, mines, and improvised explosive devices, alongside systems and automatic fire suppression. Key achievements encompass demonstrations of Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability, where up to five projectiles arrive within a 2-second window, and firing while moving at speeds up to 36 km/h, marking a world-first for wheeled systems validated in tests by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann in 2021. These features, combined with rapid readiness to fire in under 20 seconds from a road march position, underscore the RCH 155's role in tactics, enhancing survivability and operational tempo.

Criticisms, limitations, and improvements

The RCH 155, as a relatively new automated wheeled self-propelled , has faced initial technical challenges during for deployment, including compatibility issues with the recipient's systems and management software such as Kropyva. feedback highlighted these hurdles, prompting manufacturer to address unresolved technical problems through collaborative refinements prior to full delivery. A key limitation stems from its wheeled 8x8 chassis, which, while enabling higher road speeds of up to 100 km/h compared to tracked systems like the , offers reduced cross-country mobility and stability on uneven terrain, potentially complicating operations in contested environments with poor infrastructure. Additionally, like other advanced Western artillery, the RCH 155 remains vulnerable to Russian drone strikes and , with early reports of claimed destructions underscoring the need for enhanced and air defense integration in high-threat zones. To mitigate these, has implemented upgrades for Ukraine-bound units, including seamless data linking for automated targeting from drones and improved protection against unmanned aerial threats via add-on air defense modules. Further enhancements focus on barrel cooling and automation reliability to sustain high fire rates—up to 10 rounds per minute burst—while extending service life amid intense usage patterns observed in the ongoing conflict. These iterative improvements, informed by real-time operator input, aim to boost operational readiness, with initial deliveries of six systems expected to incorporate these fixes by late 2025.

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