The companies signed the agreement at the MSPO 2026 defence exhibition in Kielce on 10 September. Their planned offering would combine the 105 LG with Polish technology and WB Group’s TOPAZ fire-control system.
The partnership is intended to place the system within Poland’s defence industrial ecosystem rather than rely solely on an imported solution. KNDS said the resulting capability would be digital, network-enabled and tailored to Polish operational requirements.
At 1,650 kilograms, the 105 LG is among the lightest artillery systems in its calibre, according to KNDS. It can be transported by aircraft or medium helicopters and deployed in difficult or restricted terrain.
The weapon has a stated range of up to 17 kilometres with KNDS ERG3 extended-range ammunition. It can fire six rounds in 15 seconds and more than 16 rounds per minute.
Its weight and firing performance are designed for air assault and aeromobile formations that require rapidly deployable artillery. KNDS also positions the howitzer for National Guard units because of its short training cycle and simplified maintenance requirements.
KNDS said it was prepared to localise production of ERG3 ammunition in Poland as the partnership progresses. The plan would add a domestic ammunition component to the proposed integration and support arrangement.
The European defence group already works with Polish industry on the maintenance and modernisation of Leopard 2 main battle tanks. It is also expanding its presence through a partnership intended to establish local production of 155mm artillery shells.
“Building such a partnership represents an important opportunity for KNDS in Poland,” said Alexandre Penley, vice-president for international business development for Europe and NATO. “We are deeply proud to join forces with WB GROUP, recognized for industrial excellence in their respective fields.”
“By combining our combat-proven 105 LG howitzer with the renowned TOPAZ system and local industrial capabilities, we are strengthening European defense cooperation and ensuring long-term sovereign capability in Poland,” Penley said. “Together we will deliver an agile, combat-ready solution not only tailored to meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces and WOT, but also potentially of other export customers that will perceive the added-value and relevance of our partnership.”
