According to information published by the German newspaper Bild on September 15, 2024, Germany approved the sale of advanced RCH 155 155mm wheeled se lf-propelled artillery systems to Qatar. In return, Qatar will hand over 12 of its 24 Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. The vehicles will be brought up to operational standards in Germany before being delivered to Ukrainian forces.
This move signifies a strategic realignment and an escalation in international support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Qatar’s acquisition of the RCH 155 artillery systems allows it to modernize its artillery capabilities with cutting-edge technology. Simultaneously, the transfer of PzH 2000 tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine is expected to substantially enhance Ukraine’s artillery strength due to the system’s advanced features, such as high rate of fire, precision targeting, and long-range capabilities.
The RCH 155 is a highly advanced artillery system developed by Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Mounted on a Boxer-wheeled armored vehicle, it offers increased mobility and automation compared to traditionally tracked howitzers. The system features a 155mm L52 gun and can fire precision-guided munitions at distances exceeding 40 kilometers (approximately 25 miles).