Germany to radically upgrade artillery following Ukraine insights

Germany plans to double its capabilities in both cannon and rocket artillery systems over the decade based on lessons from Ukraine. Here's what they are likely to acquire.

As stated to hartpunkt.de by Joe Weingarten, a member of the German parliament's defence committee, Germany must double its artillery potential because, as he commented on the situation in Ukraine, "without firepower, everything is nothing".

The goal of increasing potential is to provide each brigade with fire support on the same terms as at the division or corps level. This means increasing staff from 3,200 soldiers to 6,000, increasing the number of cannon artillery systems from the current 120 units to about 300 examples, and doubling the current number of 40 rocket systems.

Furthermore, Joe Weingarten mentioned increasing the training potential at the German artillery school in Idar-Oberstein and the need to build operational and strategic reserves regarding personnel, equipment, and ammunition. Especially with the latter issue, Germany has a huge problem, as acknowledged by Frank Haun, CEO of KMW+Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS), in an interview with "Süddeutsche Zeitung" in 2022, the Bundeswehr had ammunition for a maximum of two days of combat.

It can be assumed that despite the increase in the German industry's production capabilities of ammunition for Ukraine, the situation has not significantly improved.

The statement regarding cannon systems most likely refers to the revolutionary RCH 155 howitzers. According to plans, a contract for their delivery will be signed in the first half of 2024, with deliveries scheduled for the years 2026 - 2031.

This is a revolutionary design that sets new standards for self-propelled artillery. Unlike systems such as the Krab, PzH 2000, Zuzana 2, or CAESAR, it does not require stopping and can fire while moving.

This means that even a short delay in leaving the firing position can result in destruction, especially in the face of artillery radars and integrated fire control systems. It should be noted that modern fire control systems like the Polish TOPAZ allow firing at a detected target within a few seconds, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of counter-battery fire.

In the meantime, the RCH 155 can fire while moving at a speed of 30 km/h, which means that even in the case of a rapid response from the enemy's artillery based on artillery radars, the RCH 155 howitzer will no longer be in the strike zone.

This system consists of the GTK Boxer transporter chassis and a fully automated AGM turret. The autoloader loads projectiles and propellant charges (in the PzH 2000, which also has an autoloader, these are loaded manually), reducing the crew to two soldiers and opening the prospects for planned remotely controlled versions.

The howitzer uses a 155 mm caliber gun with a length of 52 calibers (about 8 meters in length), characterized by a firing rate of up to 9 shots per minute and the ability to fire a five-shell salvo in MRSI mode where all shells hit the target almost simultaneously. The strike range depends on the type of ammunition, ranging from 30 km for standard-type DM121 shells through 40 km for shells with a gas generator and up to 60 km for rocket-assisted projectiles such as M549A1.

Moreover, like the PzH 2000, the novelty can use experimental Vulcano 155 GLR shells, which can hit a moving target up to 70-80 km away with precision below 3 meters using a SAL guidance warhead and an observer or drone with a laser marker.

It's also worth mentioning that Germany will not be the first user of this system, as the first 18 examples will reach Ukraine. This delivery will also allow the Germans to test the innovative RCH 155 howitzer in conditions not provided by standard tests and avoid problems such as the PzH 2000, which is not very resistant to the rigours of heavy warfare and has been fraught with.

Regarding rocket artillery, Germany is likely to enhance its capabilities, currently based on the MARS II launchers, with PULS (Precise & Universal Launch System) systems. It was designed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. As part of the cooperation, its elements are to be produced in Europe under license, a development of long-standing relations between the German and Israeli industries.

For instance, this cooperation includes, among other things, the licensed production of anti-tank guided missiles Spike-LR, known locally as MELLS. Germany is strongly promoting the Israeli Arrow-3 air and missile defence system.

One of the greatest advantages of the PULS system is its versatility and the ability to utilize various rockets. The system can be loaded with 18 Accular rockets of 122mm calibre and a range of 35 km, which are an improved version of Soviet-designed solutions, 10 Accular rockets of 160mm calibre and a range of 40 km, four guided EXTRA rockets of 305mm calibre and a range of 150 km, or two short-range ballistic Predator Hawk rockets of 370mm calibre, offering a range of up to 300 km.