Germany Supplies Cutting-Edge Artillery System to Ukraine

Germany has begun delivering advanced RCH 155 wheeled howitzers to Ukraine, enhancing its defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Developed by KNDS, this innovative artillery system allows for mobility and accurate firing on the move. Although only six are expected by year-end, training for Ukrainian soldiers will start soon. Meanwhile, concerns grow over the pace of Germany’s military modernization and the delivery timeline for additional units, with potential delays extending to 2032.

Germany’s Commitment to Modern Artillery for Ukraine

As Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to hesitate on providing additional military support for Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius took a significant step forward by receiving the first RCH 155 wheeled howitzer on Monday. This cutting-edge artillery system is recognized as one of the most advanced in the world and is part of an aid package previously pledged by Germany to assist Ukraine.

The Role of RCH 155 in Ukraine’s Defense Strategy

Artillery systems are crucial in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian aggression. The RCH 155, developed by the German-French defense firm KNDS, is a wheeled howitzer that boasts the ability to fire accurately while in motion, a unique feature in the global arena. Germany is set to deliver 54 of these state-of-the-art guns to Ukraine, with a total investment of 890 million euros, making Ukraine the first nation to utilize this innovative weapon before its own military, the Bundeswehr. The Swiss army has also indicated interest in acquiring the RCH 155, albeit on a different platform.

The financing for these howitzers partially stems from the already allocated 7-billion-euro Ukraine package in the federal budget for 2024. Initially, the first RCH 155 was scheduled for delivery to Ukraine in the fall of the previous year. Additional funding is anticipated from a separate 4-billion-euro package proposed by the former government for Ukraine’s support this year.

The RCH 155 represents an advancement over the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000), which was manufactured in the 1980s and operates on tracks like a tank. Unlike its predecessor, which requires a stationary position to fire accurately, the RCH 155’s wheeled design enhances mobility, allowing it to fire while on the move, thanks to its sophisticated turret and modern fire control systems that calculate trajectories in real-time.

Although mobility enhances survival prospects, the PzH 2000, which has been actively engaged in combat for over two and a half years, has proven that it is not a foolproof solution. Germany has supplied 25 PzH 2000 units to Ukraine thus far, with plans for more deliveries this year, backed by a proposed 3-billion-euro package from Defense Minister Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in response to the ongoing challenges in Ukraine. However, Chancellor Scholz has yet to approve these measures.

The PzH 2000’s precision and mobility contribute significantly to its effectiveness, as adversaries can quickly determine an attacker’s location after the first shot, leading to swift counterattacks. Fortunately, the PzH 2000 can quickly relocate after firing, a capability not shared by many other artillery systems.

Recent battlefield developments in Ukraine reveal that even high mobility is no guarantee of safety. Modern threats, particularly from drones, pose a significant risk to both stationary and moving artillery units. Drones can now effectively track and target tanks and howitzers alike, highlighting the evolving dangers on the battlefield.

During the handover of the first RCH 155 in Kassel, Ukrainian Ambassador Olexi Makejew emphasized the urgent need for advanced weaponry. He remarked, “When we sit at the negotiating table one day, it will be beneficial to have strong German weapons and support from Germany.” He expressed gratitude that Ukraine is receiving the self-propelled howitzers ahead of the Bundeswehr, showcasing the importance of allies addressing security gaps.

The RCH 155 can fire up to 30 rounds before requiring a reload, with a firing range of up to 37 kilometers, depending on the ammunition type. Its fully automated turret operates independently of a crew and is mounted on a “Boxer” chassis, an armored vehicle produced collaboratively by KNDS and Rheinmetall. The crew consists of just two members: a commander and a driver.

However, only six howitzers are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, with training for Ukrainian soldiers set to commence in the coming weeks. This training will take place at the manufacturer’s facilities in Kassel and with the Bundeswehr in Idar-Oberstein, lasting approximately two months. Despite a contract for 18 howitzers signed in 2022, it may take until 2027 for all promised units to be produced and delivered.

Ukraine must exercise patience as it awaits these essential weapons. Ambassador Makejew refrained from criticism during the handover, while the Bundeswehr plans to acquire 168 RCH 155 howitzers to outfit its army divisions, with a goal of full operational capability by 2031.

Currently, there is no contract in place for the procurement of the RCH 155, leading to frustration among opposition figures. They argue that the modernization of the German military is crucial in light of current threats and commitments abroad. Reports indicate that Minister Pistorius intends to present a contract for 80 howitzers to the budget committee before the upcoming Bundestag elections, with an estimated unit cost of around 10 million euros. However, even with committee approval, it may take considerable time before these howitzers are operational within the Bundeswehr, with experts predicting deliveries could extend until 2032. “Progress is moving at a snail’s pace,” laments Florian Hahn, the opposition’s defense policy spokesman.

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