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Poland Strives to Become Europe’s Largest Military Force with Krab and K9A1 Acquisitions.
On December 23, 2024, several major contracts were signed in Stalowa Wola, further strengthening the Polish Armed Forces. These agreements, totaling over €3.74 billion, include the delivery of nearly one hundred Krab self-propelled howitzers in two versions and support vehicles for modules equipped with K9A1 Thunder howitzers.
The Krab, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer, is designed and manufactured in Poland by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) in collaboration with BAE Systems and OBRUM (Picture source: PGZ)
The first contract involves the delivery of 96 Krab howitzers to equip four artillery modules known as Regina, each consisting of 24 howitzers. The first two modules, comprising a total of 48 units, will be delivered in their current configuration. The remaining Krabs will feature significant upgrades, including an automated ammunition and charge loading system, a C-Obra laser warning receiver, and Rheinmetall's ROSY soft-kill protection system. This new variant will also include a 360-degree observation system and a remotely operated weapon station equipped with a WKM-Bm 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.
The Krab, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer, is designed and manufactured in Poland by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) in collaboration with BAE Systems and OBRUM. It combines a South Korean K9 Thunder chassis with a British AS90 Braveheart turret, resulting in a modern, robust artillery platform. Weighing 52 tons, it can fire NATO-standard projectiles with a range of 4.7 to 40 kilometers. Its automated loading system allows it to fire three rounds in under ten seconds, six rounds per minute for three minutes, or two rounds per minute in sustained operations. The Krab has a total capacity of 40 shells and 48 charges, a maximum road speed of 67 km/h, and a range of up to 650 kilometers.
Constructed with welded steel armor, the Krab provides protection against small arms fire and shell fragments. It is equipped with advanced systems such as night vision for the driver, NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection, navigation systems, and the ZZKO TOPAZ fire control system. Secondary armament includes a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the turret for close defense and smoke grenade launchers to enhance battlefield survivability. Designed to meet modern combat demands, the Krab enhances the artillery capabilities of both Poland and Ukraine.
Complementing the howitzers, essential support vehicles will be delivered. These include command vehicles (WD), command and staff vehicles (WDSz) on a light tracked chassis, ammunition resupply vehicles (AWA), and repair workshops (AWRU) on Jelcz trucks. This contract, valued at approximately PLN 9 billion, includes deliveries scheduled until the end of 2029 and covers training and logistics packages for operational readiness.
The second contract focuses on acquiring support vehicles for modules equipped with K9A1 Thunder howitzers. Valued at nearly PLN 8 billion, this initiative aims to standardize the structure of artillery modules using Krab and K9 Thunder howitzers, differing only in the type of howitzer used. This approach ensures operational and logistical consistency within the Polish Armed Forces.
The contracts were signed on behalf of the State Treasury by Brigadier General Artur Kuptel, head of the Armaments Agency, with Krzysztof Trofiniak, president of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), representing the contractors. The consortium includes Huta Stalowa Wola and Rosomak S.A. The signing ceremony was attended by Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Bejda, and Marcin Kulasek, Secretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets, which owns PGZ.
These agreements represent the largest contracts in Huta Stalowa Wola’s history, surpassing the previous record of PLN 4.6 billion for four Regina modules signed in 2016, which had a different configuration at the time.
Poland is significantly intensifying its military modernization efforts in response to increasing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. For 2024, the country plans to allocate over 4% of its GDP to defense, approximately €32 billion, making it one of the highest defense budgets among NATO members.
This substantial budget increase focuses on enhancing the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces through new acquisitions. Notably, Poland has signed contracts to purchase 700 heavy infantry fighting vehicles (CBWP) to support American Abrams tanks in combat. Additionally, negotiations are underway for 159 Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles to equip two mechanized infantry battalions. These initiatives align with Poland's broader strategy to strengthen national defense and improve interoperability with allied forces.