(CLO) The Ukrainian Army has received the first six RCH 155 (SPH) wheeled self-propelled guns delivered from the Rheinmetall factory in Kassel, Germany.
The vehicles will be used to train Ukrainian soldiers on how to operate the German-made SPH. Germany has committed to supplying a total of 54 RCH 155 vehicles to Ukraine, but the timing of their delivery and deployment to the frontline has yet to be determined.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stressed at the handover ceremony at the Kassel facility, where the vehicles are manufactured: "Ukraine can count on Germany. We are ready to shoulder responsibility in Europe."
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stands next to Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev and Ralf Ketzel, head of German tank manufacturer KNDS, at the handover ceremony of the RCH 155 self-propelled gun in Kassel, Germany on January 13. Photo: GI
Ukraine initially planned to purchase 18 RCH 155 systems by 2022, later increasing the order to 54 vehicles. However, due to production delays and orders from the UK, deliveries were delayed.
The RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer, developed since 2014, combines powerful firepower with high mobility. It is equipped with a 155mm/L52 main gun mounted on an 8x8 BOXER armored chassis, allowing the vehicle to fire while moving – a feature rarely seen in other self-propelled guns.
The remote-controlled turret reduces the crew to two, including a commander and a driver. The RCH 155 is capable of firing 9 rounds per minute and performing multiple simultaneous target engagements (MRSI).
With long-range ammunition, the RCH 155 has a range of up to 54 km, or even further depending on the ammunition type. The gun can carry 30 primed rounds or up to 144 modular charges. The main gun has an elevation angle of -2.5 to +65 degrees, allowing it to use the main gun as a direct-fire weapon to attack other vehicles in "hunter-killer" mode.
Equipped with an 816-horsepower MTU 8V199 TE21 engine, the RCH 155 reaches a top speed of 103 km/h and has a range of 700 km. The vehicle's lightweight aluminum armor provides effective protection against small arms and artillery shell fragments, while the front of the hull can withstand Russian 30x165mm armor-piercing rounds.
Upon receiving the first batch of self-propelled guns, Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev thanked Germany for its support, emphasizing the need for allies. RCH 155 will play an important role in the Ukrainian artillery force, enhancing its ability to counterattack against challenges on the battlefield.
The delivery of further vehicles will depend on the production progress at Rheinmetall, amid growing demand for the RCH 155 from both Ukraine and the UK.
Hoai Phuong (according to National Interest, Kyiv Independent, DW)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phao-tu-hanh-cua-duc-dang-chuan-bi-tien-vao-chien-truong-ukraine-post330653.html
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