This Monday, November 4, the Federal Office of Defense Procurement reported it had completed the evaluation of the RCH 155 AGM with favorable results, with the Swiss Army selecting it as its future 10×10 wheeled self-propelled howitzer to replace its over 50-year-old M109 KWEST. This decision paves the way for a funding request to the Swiss Parliament, anticipating that KNDS Deutschland could begin deliveries next year.
It is worth noting that this acquisition is part of the “Artillery Weapons Platform and Ammunition” (WPWM) program, launched in 2019, with the primary objective of evaluating and acquiring a new medium-range wheeled self-propelled artillery system. Additionally, the program seeks a package including a batch of ammunition, simulators for personnel training, and other logistical support elements.
By 2022, the Swiss defense portfolio had narrowed down to two potential candidates for the program: the Archer self-propelled howitzer manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors AB, and the RCH 155 AGM with two possible transport platforms (the Boxer APC, or the finally selected Piranha IV APC in its 10×10 variant). The evaluation process, conducted by the Federal Office of Defense Procurement in collaboration with the Armed Forces Logistics Organization, the Training and Education Command, and the Joint Operations Command, took place between 2023 and 2024. Various system tests were carried out both in Switzerland and abroad.
Highlighting some of the features of the selected system, the RCH 155 AGM stands out for its range of up to 54 kilometers and a storage capacity of 30 rounds for combat, which it can fire at a rate of 8 rounds per minute. Each unit also features a fully automated loading system, as well as a digital automatic aiming system.
Finally, bringing up some known aspects of the Piranha IV 10×10 APC, it should be noted that this variant was introduced in April this year under the designation “Heavy Mission Carrier” (HMC). It is an armored vehicle that not only includes an additional axle for two extra wheels compared to the previous model, but also a multi-link suspension system (MLS) that facilitates movement in rural terrain and increases its payload capacity to 17 tons.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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