Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzers officially received by Polish army.

At the end of June 2019, a batch of series manufactured Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzers has been introduced into the inventory of the Sulechów-based 5th “Lubuski” Artillery Regiment of the Polish army.

First batch of serial production Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzers (Picture source: HSW)

At the end of June 2019, a batch of series manufactured Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzers has been introduced into the inventory of the Sulechów-based 5th “Lubuski” Artillery Regiment of the Polish army. HSW S.A. has begun the series manufacturing for the first series “Regina” DMO Squadron Level Fire Module, consisting of 24 155mm Krab self-propelled howitzers. Each of these units include: 24 Krab 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, DMO commander staff-command vehicle (WDSz), DMO chief of staff staff-command vehicle (WDSz), 3 command vehicles for the battery commander (WD), 6 command vehicles for the fire platoon commander (WD), all based on the SPH-designed and -manufactured LPG tracked platform, along with 6 ammunition carriers (WA) and 1 electronics/armament workshop vehicle (WRUE) - all based on the wheeled Jelcz platforms. The first batch – the proving one – had already been delivered in March.

Introduction of the DMO elements into the inventory of the Polish military marks the beginning of the implementation of the 14th December 2016 agreement signed by and between HSW S.A. (PGZ Group company) and the Armament Inspectorate of the MoD, with regards to the delivery of four squadron-level fire elements also known as REGINA. The agreement value exceeds PLN 4.5 billion. It remains one of the most significant contracts ever concluded, with the involvement of the Polish Defense industry.

The KRAB is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer designed and manufactured in Poland by the Defense company HSW (Huta Stalowa Wola) in cooperation with BAE Systems and Obrum. The first prototype of the Krab was completed in 2001. The first version of the Krab used a chassis designed by the Polish Company Obrum and the engine of the PT-91 Twardy main battle tank. The latest version of the Krab is based on the chassis of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer fitted with an AS-90M Braveheart turret with 52-caliber gun and WB Electronics “Topaz” artillery fire control system. The Krab can be ready to fire in less than 1 minute and leaves its firing position in 30 seconds. In December 2016, The Polish Company Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) has signed a contract for the delivery of artillery vehicles to the Polish Army for a total amount of €1 billion including 24 Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzer armored vehicles.

Original version of the Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzers, not the serial variant (Picture source: Army Recognition)