Barrel for RCH155 Wheeled Artillery.
Rheinmetall Wins 1.2 Billion Euro German Military Order for RCH 155 Wheeled Artillery: The German Armed Forces have taken a major step toward modernising their artillery capabilities with an initial order for 84 RCH155 wheeled howitzers. The contract was awarded on 19 December 2025 to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall, under a broader framework agreement that allows for the procurement of up to 500 systems.
The order, placed by the Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), is valued at around €1.2 billion and includes the howitzers themselves as well as associated training equipment, services and logistical support. The framework agreement also enables other nations to call off systems in the future.
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Rheinmetall will supply key components to ARTEC GmbH, including the electrical systems, software and the 155 mm weapon systems. Deliveries of the RCH155 are scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion planned for 2029. ARTEC GmbH, which is responsible for the Boxer family of armoured vehicles, will act as the prime contractor.
The RCH155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm) combines the automatic and remotely operated Artillery Gun Module (AGM) with the protection and mobility of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle. The fully automated system is capable of firing on the move and can engage targets with high precision at ranges of up to 40 kilometres. Its design emphasises rapid readiness, long tactical road range and high mobility.
A high level of automation allows the RCH155 to operate with a reduced crew of just two soldiers—a commander and a driver—compared with the larger crews required for tracked systems such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000.
Ukraine is the first operational user of the RCH155, having ordered 54 systems from KNDS Germany in three batches. Rheinmetall is also supplying the electrical systems, software and weapon systems for those vehicles. The United Kingdom has likewise expressed its intention to procure the RCH155, following a cooperation agreement announced by the German and UK governments in April 2024.
The German order marks the formal introduction of the RCH155 into Bundeswehr service and highlights growing international interest in the highly mobile, automated artillery system.
