KNDS Deutschland presents the RCH 155 TRACKED, a new tracked version of the self-propelled howitzer RCH 155, considered as a possible replacement for the M109A7 in the US Army
The German company KNDS Germany has unveiled a new tracked version of its highly automated self-propelled howitzer: the RCH 155 TRACKED. The model was presented during the fair Vaua 2025considered the U.S. military’s most important internal forum.
According to the specialized magazine Militarnyi the presence of the system at the fair suggests that KNDS sees the RCH 155 TRACKED as a possible successor to the old M109A7 Paladinwhich is currently in use with the US Armed Forces.
+ Click here to watch the video of the RCH 155
Modular design and focus on mobility
The new system combines the firing range and power of the automated artillery module AGM (Artillery Gun Module) of the original RCH 155 with the protection and mobility of a tracked platform derived from it Boxer-vehicle.
According to KNDS, the unmanned AGM tower, equipped with a Rheinmetall 155 mm/L52gun, a 360° turn range and full elevation, using up to six modular propellant charges — without external stabilizers.
“As a modular system, the RCH 155 TRACKED is a light, flexible and long-range artillery solution, ideal for scenarios requiring tracked vehicle mobility, with a high level of protection for the crew,” the company said.
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Power, reach and automation
With a maximum weight of approx 45 ton the new tracked chassis allows the installation of combat modules up to 17 ton — more than the 12 tons of the wheeled version.
The vehicle is equipped with a MTU diesel engine linked to a Renk HSWL-256 transmissiondelivers up to 900 kW power and reaches a top speed of 70 km / u on the road, with a range of up to 500 km.
The heart of the system is the automated AGM towerwhich until 30 ready grenades in 144 modular loads can wear. The charging and inductive firing programming system is fully automated, allowing a rate of fire of more than 8 shots per minute makes possible.
Prospects and replacement of the M109A7
The introduction of the RCH 155 TRACKED comes at a time when the US Army is looking for options to replace its M109A7 fleet, whose design dates back to the 1960s and 1970s.
With its advanced automation, digital integration and improved mobility, KNDS’s new system positions itself as a modern and competitive candidate in the global self-propelled artillery market.
Source and images: KNDS Deutschland | Militarnyi. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
