The Swiss arms procurement agency has officially selected the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) artillery system to replace its aging fleet of M109 self-propelled howitzers, marking a significant upgrade in the country’s artillery capabilities. The RCH 155 system will be integrated onto a 10×10 Piranha IV wheeled armored vehicle, enhancing both mobility and operational effectiveness.
In a competitive evaluation process, the RCH 155 outperformed the Archer Mobile Howitzer from Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors AB, which was also shortlisted. The selection was the result of a rigorous cost-benefit analysis accompanied by extensive trials. These trials included logistical assessments, technical evaluations of the weapon’s performance abroad, and testing its mobility across the Swiss road network and challenging terrain. The Swiss Armed Forces, including military professionals and militia members, participated in troop trials, while various live firings were conducted in collaboration with foreign armies and procurement authorities, providing a comprehensive overview of the system’s capabilities.
Following this selection, the procurement agency is preparing to request funding from the Swiss parliament to facilitate the acquisition, although specific financial details remain undisclosed.
The decision to replace the M109 howitzers, which were procured from the United States in numerous batches starting in 1968, comes after a series of upgrades in 1995 and 2012. Currently, only around 130 of the original fleet remain operational, as efforts are underway to maintain the system until the RCH 155 is fully integrated. The agency indicated that modifications, termed the “extension of use 2021,” are in progress, allowing the M109s to remain functional until the new system is ready for deployment.
The RCH 155 artillery system is notable for its advanced features, combining the firepower and range of the established PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer with innovative automation technologies. Its remote-controlled gun module enhances the efficiency of operations by enabling automated navigation, fire control, gun laying, and loading of projectiles and charges. This automation significantly reduces the required crew size to just two personnel— a driver/operator and a commander— facilitating a rapid “shoot and scoot” capability essential for modern battlefield conditions.
Furthermore, being mounted on a wheeled armored vehicle, the RCH 155 offers enhanced protection for the crew while maintaining the necessary mobility to adapt to various operational scenarios. The system boasts an impressive range, capable of striking targets up to 40 kilometers (approximately 25 miles) away with standard ammunition, positioning Switzerland to maintain a competitive edge in artillery capabilities well into the future.
