KNDS presented the LORAS self-propelled gun project
A LORAS prototype at Eurosatory 2026. Photo: European Defence Review
The German-French company KNDS continues to work on promising artillery systems. Recently, it unveiled its new self-propelled gun, the RCH 155 Tracked LORAS. The project's main idea is to dramatically increase the firing range regardless of the type of ammunition, not only for expensive precision-guided projectiles, but also for conventional ones.
New at the exhibition
From June 15th to 19th, KNDS participated in the French exhibition Eurosatory 2026. Using real samples and promotional materials, it showcased both existing developments and a number of new projects. The most notable innovations were the concept of the main tank CAPINT and the RCH 155 Tracked LORAS self-propelled gun project.
The LORAS (Long Range Artillery System) project began several years ago as a KNDS initiative. The French Ministry of Defense later expressed interest and provided financial support. These funds allowed the project to be partially completed.
The project was based on modern technologies, the combat experience of self-propelled guns in recent years, and the wishes of potential customers. Interest in long-range barrel artillery has grown significantly in recent years. Experience from modern conflicts has demonstrated the importance of counter-battery warfare and engaging targets in depth, where additional tens of kilometers of range directly impact the survivability and effectiveness of batteries.
The main innovation is a 155mm rifled gun with a 58-caliber barrel (L58). According to the developer's calculations, it should have approximately one and a half times the range of current L52-barreled guns. At the same time, the French branch of KNDS is developing a new line of ammunition for it.
By now, KNDS has completed the main design work, manufactured and rig-tested a prototype weapon, and then built a prototype self-propelled gun, which was displayed at the exhibition. The vehicle has already been transferred to the testing ground. Due to limited government support, the work may be delayed, and if the situation continues, serial production will not begin until 2032–2035.
View from the other side. Photo: Defensenews.com
However, the situation could change. The company is counting on customer interest, as even preliminary agreements with clients will allow for a revised schedule and accelerated development.
Key decisions
The LORAS fighting compartment is designed to be compatible with a variety of chassis, both wheeled and tracked. The first prototype was built on the Boxer Tracked platform. This is a tracked version of the Boxer family, retaining its modular design, divided into a chassis module and a functional compartment. By comparison, the basic RCH 155 self-propelled gun is built on a Boxer 8x8 wheeled chassis. Other versions of the self-propelled gun may be developed in the future.
The combat module is an armored turret housing all necessary components, requiring no space within the carrier's hull. The compartment is unmanned, equipped with automatic and remote controls.
The main element is the new gun. It features a 155mm, 58-caliber rifled barrel with an enlarged chamber, muzzle brake, and barrel casing. The gun is mounted on hydropneumatic recoil mechanisms, and the oscillating mount provides a wide range of elevation angles.
The gun is loaded separately, with a modular propellant charge. The propellant components are stored in a mechanized stowage system and fed by a newly designed automatic loader. The enlarged chamber holds up to eight propellant modules, compared to six on standard L52 guns, such as those found on the CAESAR self-propelled gun (as per NATO standards). It is the larger propellant charge, combined with the longer barrel, that provides the increased range: the projectile's muzzle velocity is higher, and with it, the range.
The self-propelled gun fires the full range of existing 155mm NATO-standard shells. According to the developer, bore pressure remains within limits that do not lead to accelerated barrel wear, but only ongoing testing can confirm this.
The L58's long barrel has its downside. The extended barrel and reinforced chamber add weight to the gun and stress to the platform, while firing at elevated pressures traditionally reduces barrel life. Whether KNDS has balanced these factors will be determined at the range.
The experimental 155mm LORAS cannon on display. Photo by KNDS.
According to the developer, a standard high-explosive fragmentation projectile should fly 60 km, which is an extreme range for a classic HE projectile (reportedly, these results were obtained during tests in Sweden). Existing systems on the L52 barrel send such projectiles 30-40 km. Using precision-guided projectiles (such as Vulcano) and conventional extended-range projectiles (such as V-LAP), KNDS promises to increase the range to 100 km, although this figure should be taken with caution: it is stated by the manufacturer and has not yet been confirmed by independent testing. A new line of projectiles also promises an additional increase.
The long barrel itself is no longer newsThe L58 concept and comparable ranges are also being touted by other manufacturers, and extended barrels have been explored, in particular, in experimental modifications of the PzH 2000 howitzer. LORAS is more attractive for other reasons, namely its combination of range, automation, and universal combat module for various platforms.
The vehicle is equipped with modern navigation, communications, and fire control systems. The automated system automatically performs geolocation of the position, receives and processes target data, and aims the gun and prepares it for firing remotely.
All this allows for effective fire and reduces the crew's workload. Crew members remain protected by armor while moving and firing, and the high aiming and loading speeds reduce the time spent in the open, increasing the vehicle's survivability. A remotely controlled machine gun module is provided for self-defense.
Economy and efficiency
The project's main goal is reflected in its name: range, regardless of the type of ammunition. However, as already noted, the new self-propelled gun also has other features that could attract customers and ultimately generate profit for KNDS.
The first feature is a universal fighting compartment compatible with various platforms. The developer considers the choice of a wheeled or tracked chassis a competitive advantage.
The second is improved firepower with readily available projectiles. In practice, this means the vehicle doesn't need expensive precision-guided munitions for long-range targets. While they offer better range, they are incomparably more expensive than standard HE projectiles. The ability to "reach" further with standard projectiles reduces operational costs and simplifies logistics, as the customer won't have to purchase entirely new rounds along with LORAS and supply units with multiple types of ammunition.
However, saving on ammunition doesn't necessarily translate into savings overall. The total cost of ownership depends on both the price of the SPG itself with a new gun and the maintenance costs of the long barrel. So, "cost reduction" is more accurately applied to ammunition, not the entire system.
Another variant of the RCH 155 self-propelled gun uses a 52-caliber gun and a Boxer wheeled chassis. Photo by KNDS
Otherwise, LORAS is a typical modern self-propelled gun with standard fire control, communications, and navigation solutions; the crew is separated from the fighting compartment and operates in simpler conditions.
According to available information, the self-propelled gun on the Boxer Tracked chassis has reached the testing ground. Whether test firings have been conducted is unclear, but they are expected to take place soon and will provide the first real picture of the project's capabilities.
It's too early to predict the outcome of the trials or how long they will last. We're talking about testing a fundamentally new weapon with enhanced parameters, and that's always fraught with risks. Apparently, that's why KNDS isn't making overly optimistic plans and expects to complete the work only in the early 2030s. The timing of the first delivery contracts remains an open question.
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