Germany Finalizes RCH 155 Howitzers for Ukraine With Battlefield System Integration

German defense company KNDS is finalizing the RCH 155  self-propelled howitzers designated for Ukraine, incorporating feedback from Ukrainian troops.

In an interview with Deutsche Welle on August 26, Ralf Ketzel, head of KNDS’s German division, said the company is working closely with the Ukrainian side to resolve remaining technical issues. One of the key tasks is integrating the RCH 155 into Ukraine’s battlefield management system.

Ketzel noted that this subject was not discussed in 2024, as both sides were focused on other priorities. However, coordination is now underway to ensure the systems are fully combat-ready once delivered. If all issues are resolved, deliveries could begin within the coming months.

“The right to officially announce the start of deliveries belongs solely to the Ukrainian military,” he added.

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War in Ukraine

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At the same time, KNDS is developing a new air-defense system tailored to Ukraine’s battlefield needs. According to Ketzel, Ukrainian forces warned that the risk of drone strikes against artillery systems is extremely high, while existing systems are not equipped with proper countermeasures.

To address this gap, KNDS is designing a mobile vehicle capable of shooting down drones while on the move, with the same maneuverability as the RCH 155. The new system will be integrated into Ukraine’s Kropyva battlefield management platform, allowing artillery operations to be coordinated simultaneously even when units are deployed far apart.

A dedicated command vehicle will host the artillery commander, meaning that each RCH 155 requires only two crew members to operate effectively under remote direction.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces were seen using Italian-made Puma armored personnel carriers in both 6×6 and 4×4 variants, revealing another case of undisclosed military aid from Italy.

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