Poland Builds Europe’s Largest Mobile Artillery Forces with Record K9 Howitzers Acquisitions.

On October 7, 2024, Poland’s defense procurement agency announced the arrival of twelve additional K9A1 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea, bringing the total number of these units in service with the Polish Armed Forces to 108. This new delivery marks an important step for Poland in strengthening its artillery capabilities and consolidating its cooperation with South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace.
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Poland receives new batch of K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzers from South Korea (Picture source: US MoD)

Poland has enhanced its artillery arsenal with the recent arrival of twelve K9A1 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea, increasing the number of K9s in service within the Polish Armed Forces to 108. This delivery is part of a $2.5 billion contract signed in August 2022 between Poland’s Ministry of National Defense and Hanwha Aerospace for a total of 212 K9 artillery systems, including ammunition, spare parts, training, and logistical support. Full delivery is expected by 2026.

Poland also signed a second contract in 2023 valued at $2.6 billion for an additional 152 units, including 146 K9PL howitzers specifically adapted to Polish requirements. While the K9A1 already features advances in inertial navigation and fire control, the K9PL goes further by incorporating Polish subsystems, such as the FONET communication system and TOPAZ fire control system from WB Group, ensuring complete interoperability with Polish forces. This customized version also benefits from reinforced armor and locally manufactured components, in line with Poland’s policy of technological sovereignty.

These adaptations aim to enhance the integration of the K9PL into Polish operations, optimizing their networked capabilities and strengthening crew protection in combat conditions.

The main difference between the K9A1 and the K9PL lies in specific adaptations to meet the operational needs of the Polish Armed Forces. The K9A1 is an upgraded version of the K9 Thunder, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer produced by South Korean company Hanwha Defense. This modernized version of the K9 includes improvements such as an advanced inertial navigation system, updated fire control, and enhanced connectivity for networked warfare environments, thereby increasing the artillery system's precision, efficiency, and responsiveness.

The K9PL, adapted specifically for the Polish Armed Forces, is a version of the South Korean K9A1 self-propelled howitzer that integrates advanced features tailored to Poland's operational requirements. It is equipped with a 155mm gun capable of delivering precise fire support over distances up to 55 kilometers when using rocket-assisted projectiles, with a firing rate of six rounds per minute. The K9PL can also support a range of compatible warheads, enabling it to adapt to different mission profiles depending on tactical needs. Built on a tracked chassis, the K9PL offers excellent all-terrain mobility, powered by a 1,000-horsepower engine that allows it to reach speeds of 67 km/h and operate within a range of approximately 360 kilometers.

One of the unique features of the K9PL is the integration of the Polish-made FONET communication system and the TOPAZ fire control and management system, developed by WB Group, which ensures seamless interoperability within Poland's command structure and enhances coordination with other military assets. Additionally, the K9PL is equipped with reinforced armor for increased protection against ballistic threats and shrapnel, as well as active defense systems to counter anti-tank missiles, enhancing crew survivability in hostile conditions. It also includes an updated inertial navigation and fire control system, which improves targeting accuracy, along with a semi-automatic loading system that boosts efficiency in rapid-firing scenarios, enabling the K9PL to perform effectively in high-tempo operations.

Poland’s decision to acquire a significant number of K9 self-propelled howitzers is rooted in its strategic need to strengthen its artillery capabilities amid heightened regional tensions and evolving security threats, particularly from Russia. As a frontline NATO country with a large eastern border, Poland perceives a robust artillery capability as crucial for deterrence and rapid response. Self-propelled artillery like the K9 provides Poland with flexible and mobile firepower, allowing it to deploy and relocate quickly, an advantage essential in modern warfare where mobility and rapid response can determine battlefield outcomes.

Compared to other armored forces worldwide, Poland’s investment in self-propelled artillery stands out as a key component of a broader modernization effort that also includes significant acquisitions in aviation and air defense systems. While Poland strengthens its aerial capabilities and mechanized infantry, the focus on self-propelled artillery, such as the K9 howitzers, addresses the need for an autonomous ground-based firepower capable of supporting intensive operations and effectively defending its territory. This equipment enables Poland to maintain flexible and mobile forces, complementing its air power and offering rapid response capabilities over wide areas. By reinforcing its artillery, Poland adopts a similar approach to countries like South Korea, which invest in robust ground artillery to guard against regional threats and ensure independent defense capabilities in the event of conflict.

Compared to other European countries, Poland stands out today for its commitment to building one of the largest and most modern artillery forces on the continent. By acquiring K9 self-propelled howitzers, it has already surpassed the artillery capacities of several comparable European nations. France, for example, has around 77 CAESAR self-propelled guns, while Germany operates approximately one hundred Panzerhaubitze 2000s, though both countries are also investing in modernization projects.

Poland is also leading in terms of integrating national subsystems, with equipment such as the FONET communication and TOPAZ fire control systems, thereby strengthening its technological autonomy and interoperability. In comparison, most other European countries heavily rely on imported subsystems, especially for command and communication systems. Additionally, Poland focuses on systems with extended firing ranges and rapid response capabilities, elements highly valued by Eastern European nations due to their proximity to geopolitically unstable regions.

Finally, with ongoing contracts for the acquisition of more than 360 K9 systems by 2027, Poland is set to have one of the largest self-propelled artillery forces in Europe, alongside military powers like Russia and Turkey, positioning the country as a key player in ground defense within NATO and the European Union.