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Germany KNDS
RCH 155
A next-generation German self-propelled howitzer that mounts a fully remote-controlled, unmanned 155 mm turret on a Boxer 8x8 chassis, enabling shoot-and-scoot operations with a reduced crew. Ordered by the German Army as part of a wheeled-artillery modernization program.
In service since 2022 · 1 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
103
km/h
700
km range
155
mm gun
42,000
kg
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
German export-licensed
BAFA licensing with strict end-use review; approvals can be politically constrained.
Channel: Direct commercial / G2G
Fielded & proven
Limited · 1 operator
In service since 2022. Status: active.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from.
Interoperability
Derived guidance from public data — export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
- Max speed
Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance.
- 103 km/h Top 1% of artillery systems
- Range
Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence.
- 700 km Stronger than 83% of artillery systems
- Rate of fire
Rounds per minute (cyclic). Higher increases suppression and hit probability.
- 5 rpm Stronger than 34% of artillery systems
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
- Main armament
Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type.
- 155 mm L/52 howitzer
- Caliber
Bore diameter of the main gun or rifle. Larger throws heavier projectiles; not simply better — ammunition commonality matters.
- 155 mm
- Max firing range
Maximum range of the main gun or rocket artillery (with assisted/extended-range munitions where noted). Higher extends reach.
- 40 km Stronger than 43% of artillery systems
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
- Combat weight
Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor.
- 42,000 kg
- Crew
Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity.
- 2
Propulsion
Engine, power and fuel.
- Engine
Powerplant model and type.
- MTU 8V199 TE20 diesel
- Engine power
Engine output power. Higher moves more weight faster.
- 720 hp Stronger than 58% of artillery systems
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
- Operator countries
Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem.
- 1 Stronger than 17% of artillery systems
Specifications compiled from public KNDS and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations — treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
Compare with rivals
See how it stacks up
Lockheed Martin M270A2 MLRS 
Uralvagonzavod TOS-1A Solntsepyok 
MKE T-155 Fırtına Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of the KNDS RCH 155? +
The KNDS RCH 155 has a maximum speed of 103 km/h.
What is the range of the KNDS RCH 155? +
The KNDS RCH 155 has a maximum range of 700 km.
How much does the KNDS RCH 155 weigh? +
The KNDS RCH 155 has a combat weight of 42,000 kg.
How many crew does the KNDS RCH 155 require? +
The KNDS RCH 155 requires a crew of 2.
What is the main armament of the KNDS RCH 155? +
The KNDS RCH 155's primary weapon is the 155 mm L/52 howitzer.
What engine does the KNDS RCH 155 use? +
The KNDS RCH 155 is powered by the MTU 8V199 TE20 diesel.
What is the KNDS RCH 155 used for? +
The KNDS RCH 155 is a artillery & mlrs typically used for deep strike.
How many countries operate the KNDS RCH 155? +
The KNDS RCH 155 is operated by 1 countries.
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T-155 Fırtına
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