Pistorius confirms Ukraine has Germany's newest RCH 155 howitzers
Photo: German RCH-155 self-propelled howitzer (wikipedia.org)
The presence of RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers in service with the Ukrainian army has now been officially confirmed, according to Bild.
Pistorius confirms RCH 155 howitzers are in Ukraine
During a visit to the KNDS production facility in Kassel, Pistorius spoke about the German-made self-propelled artillery systems. He said Ukraine highly values the country's latest RCH 155 wheeled howitzers.
The minister stated that Ukraine received the first system of this type about two years ago.
"It was right here, ladies and gentlemen, where you are now standing, that the first wheeled howitzer destined for Ukraine was stationed two years ago," he said.
Until now, only the training of Ukrainian service members on these artillery systems in Germany had been officially confirmed. Their presence on the battlefield had not been publicly acknowledged.
It remains unclear whether the howitzers have already been used in combat, the outlet noted.
RCH 155: What is known
The RCH 155 self-propelled artillery system is considered one of the most advanced in the world.
Its key capabilities include:
- ability to fire on the move;
- reduced vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire and drones;
- a rate of fire of up to nine rounds per minute at ranges exceeding 50 kilometers;
- a top road speed of up to 100 km/h;
- operation by a crew of just two thanks to its fully automated turret.
In 2024, the Franco-German defense company KNDS signed an agreement with Ukraine to supply 54 RCH 155 howitzers.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Pistorius handed over the first RCH 155 to Ukraine in January 2025, where it was expected to strengthen the country's artillery capabilities.
It also became known that Germany began testing the RCH 155 in February 2023, with Ukraine expected to be able to purchase the systems in the future.
