The Artillery Revolution Born For Ukraine Is Now Heading to Germany—In Huge Numbers

Germany is moving to secure more than 200 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers in a €3.4 billion contract, with Berlin aiming to begin deliveries as early as 2028—marking the country’s first major acquisition of the system after it was initially developed for and contracted by Ukraine, according to Hartpunkt on December 9.

Germany intends to approve the purchase of 229 RCH 155 155-mm systems before the end of this year, according to Hartpunkt, which cites senior defense sources familiar with the plan. The Bundestag’s budget committee is expected to fast-track the authorization.

British funding remains part of the picture: the United Kingdom is due to contribute several tens of millions of euros toward RCH 155 development under last year’s joint agreement. However, London—despite its own artillery shortages—is not yet placing an order.

Defense analysts note the move complements Germany’s massive procurement of Boxer armored vehicles, which serve as the chassis for RCH 155, giving Berlin a pathway to fleet-wide unification of wheeled platforms.

Germany has already purchased additional tracked PzH 2000 A4 howitzers to replace those transferred to Ukraine, but its expansion effort is centered squarely on wheeled artillery—a capability valued for mobility, automation, and fire-on-the-move potential.

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While Germany prepares to become the system’s largest customer, Ukraine—the first planned operator — is still awaiting delivery of 54 ordered units, a timeline that officials said in August required “a few more months.” An additional 12 have been procured for Qatar as part of a separate arrangement linked to PzH 2000 transfers to Kyiv.

Mass procurement from Berlin is expected to scale production, reduce wait times for future customers, and accelerate broader deployment.

Earlier, reports emerged that German defense company KNDS was finalizing the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers designated for Ukraine, incorporating feedback from Ukrainian troops.

The company was 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.

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