New self-propelled guns RCH 155 for the Bundeswehr
Experienced self-propelled gun RCH 155 with AGM module
The German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), part of the Franco-German organization KNDS, offers customers modern self-propelled artillery units of several types. The latest development in this area is the RCH 155 self-propelled gun on a wheeled chassis. The first contract for the production and supply of such products has already been received, and new ones are expected to appear in the near future.
Decades of Development
The RCH 155 self-propelled gun offered to customers is based on an older artillery module project “Artillerie-Geschütz-Modul” (AGM). The first version of the promising module, equipped with a 155-mm howitzer and a set of automation, was presented back in 2004, and subsequently it was constantly improved, adapted to different platforms, etc. At the same time, an advertising campaign was going on - the module and equipment based on it were shown at all major foreign military-technical exhibitions.
In the mid-2008s, the first version of the AGM module was tested on a bench and on an experimental carrier chassis. The successful implementation of these events made it possible to develop the first model of self-propelled guns suitable for use in armies. A finished product of this kind, called Donar, was first presented in 2. This self-propelled gun was made on a redesigned ASCOD XNUMX infantry fighting vehicle chassis.
The resulting machine was tested and was also demonstrated at exhibitions for several years. However, she was unable to find her client. In the mid-XNUMXs, KMW stopped advertising it and began promoting the next project based on the AGM module.
In 2014, they announced the start of development of self-propelled guns with a universal module based on the Boxer wheeled chassis. A prototype of such a vehicle, called RCH 155, was brought to testing at the test site only in 2019. At the same time, the first tests showed the need to refine the design, and in 2020 a new version of the AGM module and self-propelled guns as a whole appeared.
The AGM module was designed from the outset to be installed on different chassis, and KMW / KNDS actively uses this opportunity to meet the requirements of potential customers. Thus, in the past, the appearance of self-propelled guns was demonstrated based on the Iveco Trakker truck, on the Piranha IV 10x10 armored vehicle, etc. At the same time, the main advertisement is currently received by the modification based on the Boxer armored personnel carrier, and it is also the most successful commercially.
Unsuccessful debut
In the mid-155s, KMW switched from advertising to attempts to obtain contracts. At that time, the Israeli armed forces held a tender for the purchase of a new 155-mm self-propelled howitzer with increased characteristics of mobility, rate of fire and firing range. KMW entered its RCH 2000 self-propelled gun into the competition. Its main competitor was the ATMOS XNUMX product from the Israeli company Elbit Systems.
The results of the competition were announced in the spring of 2017. The customer considered the ATMOS 2000 self-propelled gun on a wheeled chassis more successful, and the Elbit company received the contract. It is curious that this contract is not actually fulfilled. In the past, preparations for production have been repeatedly reported, but the customer has not yet received a single self-propelled gun.
The exact reasons for the loss of RCH 155 in the competition from the IDF are unknown, and various assumptions have been made. Thus, the customer could have been put off by the general unpreparedness of the project - at the time of the tender, the German self-propelled guns had not yet entered testing. Also, the customer might not be satisfied with the technical and operational characteristics. However, most likely it was about the desire to support the local manufacturer and not give a profitable order to a foreign company.
First success
After failure at the Israeli competition, KMW continued to develop the RCH 155 project, conducted tests and continued to search for potential customers. In September 2022, the company managed to receive the first contract for new self-propelled guns. However, this order has its own characteristic features, and it is unlikely that it should be considered a full-fledged commercial success.
As the German press reported, back in the summer of 2022, the Kiev regime requested from the German government a batch of 18 RCH 155 self-propelled guns. After some discussions, the German side agreed to provide such equipment. The result was a contract for 18 combat vehicles and auxiliary equipment with a total value of 216 million euros. The purchase of equipment will be carried out at the expense of Germany as part of military-technical assistance to Ukraine.
In its proposal for a new contract, KMW reported that it would take 30 months to prepare for production, assemble and deliver the ordered self-propelled guns. Accordingly, equipment under the contract dated September 2022 can be delivered no earlier than spring 2025. At the same time, the contractor mentioned the need to obtain a number of licenses and export permits.
Thus, after several years of active advertising and promotion of its development, the KMW company was able to receive the first order for RCH 155 products. However, it is not distinguished by large volumes and cost, and in addition, it was not signed based on the results of a competition and comparison with other samples. “Special conditions” of its appearance may negatively affect the reputation of the project and its future prospects. In addition, the stated delivery dates for equipment raise questions. It is quite possible that by the time the first self-propelled guns are ready, the recipient will not need them.
New Hopes
The first customer of the RCH 155 self-propelled guns was the German government, but Ukraine should receive this equipment. At the same time, it is possible to purchase such vehicles for our own army. Right now, the Bundeswehr is holding the “Zukünftiges System Indirektes Feuer großer Reichweite” (ZukSysIndF) competition, the goal of which is to update the self-propelled gun fleet with a new model with improved characteristics. In total, 168 self-propelled guns are going to be purchased in the medium and long term.
One of the tender participants is the company KMW / KNDS with the RCH 155 project on a Boxer wheeled chassis. According to various estimates, it is the RCH 155 that has the greatest chance of winning and entering the troops. Moreover, a few days ago, specialized German publications, citing their sources, reported that the Bundeswehr had already made a choice and wanted to receive the car from KMW. The necessary documents will be completed in the near future, and this decision will be officially announced.
According to current plans, the first contract for the production of self-propelled guns for the German army should be signed early next year and will be limited to only 50 products. The remaining 118 units. will be ordered separately, probably after the first contract is completed.
Another customer for AGM-based self-propelled guns could be Switzerland. Now her army is holding a competition “Artillerie Wirkplattform und Wirkmittel 2026” and choosing a new self-propelled gun. The tender involves the Swedish product Archer and two German vehicles with an AGM module on the Boxer and Piranha IV chassis. There is no clear favorite in this competition yet. At the same time, the German company, having presented two new projects, may have a better chance of winning.
Commercial difficulties
Thus, the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann company has been promoting the automated artillery module AGM and self-propelled guns based on it on the market for almost 20 years, but has not yet received the desired commercial results. For all this time, she was given only one contract, and it is of an ambiguous nature and dubious prospects.
However, KMW does not lose hope and continues to look for potential customers and take the necessary measures. Now the AGM and RCH 155 products are participating in two competitions at once and, as stated, have a certain chance of winning. Whether they will be implemented will become known in the very near future.
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