Hensoldt has signed a “double-digit million” deal to supply KNDS’ Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155 mm with a 360-degree observation system.
A total of 54 howitzers will be equipped with Hensoldt’s See Through Armour System (SETAS), a high-resolution day and night vision system for armored vehicles.
The electro-optical vision system will offer full situational awareness from inside the howitzer, identifying and classifying targets with high-resolution color daylight and uncooled thermal imaging cameras.
The system automatically warns the crew of potentially threatening movements detected close to the vehicles.
The estimated completion date has not yet been revealed.
The Integration Phases
The SETAS’ integration will be split into two parts, with the initial step focusing on connecting the system to the KNDS vehicle network and battle management system.
Hensoldt Optronics & Land Solutions Head Tanya Altmann said the integration will provide vehicle crew members with the best situational awareness through AI-supported sensor fusion.
The second part of the configuration will tackle enhancements for automatic image processing functions, including Moving Target Indication, object tracking, and other modes.
The RCH 155
Designed as air-portable self-propelled artillery, the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155 mm (RCH 155) is a fully autonomous howitzer capable of shooting moving targets at a rate of up to eight rounds per minute.
In 2022, Germany financed Ukraine’s purchase of 18 RCH 155s. The military aid was reported to be worth 216 million euros ($227 million).
The vehicles are set to be delivered in 2024 and 2025.