German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced earlier this week that Germany has delivered the first batch of 54 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. 

The RCH 155 is a state-of-the-art artillery system that combines the GTK Boxer armored vehicle chassis with an automated Artillery Gun Module. It can fire 155mm shells up to 54 kilometers and is designed for high mobility, allowing it to rapidly relocate after firing to avoid enemy counterattacks. 

The system requires only a two-person crew and features fully automated targeting and loading systems, enabling precise and efficient operation.

During a ceremony in Kassel on Monday, where the howitzer was formally handed over to Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, Pistorius remarked,” Ukraine can count on us.”

“Today’s handover of the first RCH 155 wheeled howitzer to Ukraine is visible proof of what is possible when technological excellence and common will come together,” he added. 

The first photo of German-made 155mm RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer delivered to Ukraine.

The system will be used for training in Germany while production continues.

Ukraine has ordered a total of 54 x RCH 155 units. pic.twitter.com/gk8v6HRhNn

— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 13, 2025

According to reports, six of the 54 howitzers will remain in Germany for training purposes, while the rest will be delivered to Ukraine in batches.

Makeiev expressed gratitude for Germany’s support and emphasized the importance of advanced weaponry in Ukraine’s defense. 

The delivery marks the first operational deployment of the RCH 155. Ukraine plans to integrate the system into its military operations, with initial combat use expected by April 2025. 

Germany is also expected to supply Boxer infantry fighting vehicles to complement the howitzers.

Germany’s military support for Ukraine has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy since Russia’s invasion in 2022. In addition to the RCH 155, Germany has supplied Ukraine with Panzerhaubitze 2000 tracked howitzers and other military aid.