Germany to send 1.1 billion Euro military aid to Ukraine including 'avant-garde' RCH 155 howitzers

The latest aid package that's set to arrive in Ukraine incorporates 18 PzH 2000 howitzers, 120 thousand rounds of 122 mm calibre artillery, two Skynex air defence systems, and 100 missiles for the IRIS-T SLS system. Along with this equipment, RCH 155 howitzers will also make their way to Ukraine, an aspect which Defence Romania has remarked upon.

"This weapon is the cutting edge of artillery technology and stands as one of the most advanced 155 mm self-propelled howitzers" - states Defence Romania. The howitzer has been globally recognised as one of the most superior devices of its kind. "It symbolises the pinnacle of artillery system technology, blending accuracy, mobility and unparalleled firepower on the battlefield" - asserts Defence Romania.

The RCH 155 bears numerous resemblances to the Polish Krab self-propelled howitzer. Just like the Polish weapon, the Germans have also armed their design with a 155 mm calibre howitzer boasting a length of 52 calibres. Another similarity is the range of the fired rounds. The device, designed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, fires at hostile units within a scope of up to 25 miles (around 34 miles when shooting a V-LAP projectile with increased range).

It's noteworthy to add that the RCH 155 is the first howitzer in the world with the ability to fire while in motion. This function enables it to dodge enemy fire. This is a key element, given that modern surveillance systems can pinpoint firing locations once a shot has been released. When artillery consistently remains in motion, detection becomes significantly more strenuous.

The German self-propelled artillery comes equipped with wheel propulsion (with many alternate solutions adopting caterpillar traction). The MTU 8V199 power unit channels over 800 horsepower to the howitzer's eight wheels. This enables the machine to clock speeds in excess of 62 miles per hour. The maximum range of the RCH 155 on a single refuel is 435 miles.

Such specifications render the German design exceptionally mobile, permitting it to swiftly alter its position in combat situations, a feature that is crucial concerning the survivability of its two-person crew.