Poland’s HSW to deliver Krab artillery systems under EUR 2.1 billion defence contract

According to Poland’s Armament Agency, the contract is valued at approximately PLN 9 billion (EUR 2.1 billion) and is scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2029.

The agreement includes the delivery of 96 Krab artillery systems, as well as command vehicles, logistic support vehicles, ammunition supply vehicles, and other associated equipment. Of the howitzers ordered, 48 will be delivered in the upgraded version known as the Krab 2. These modernised artillery systems will feature an automatic ammunition reloading mechanism, the C-Obra system, and the ROSY protection system supplied by German defence contractor Rheinmetall. Additionally, the Krab 2 howitzers will be armed with 12.7mm machine guns.

The Krab is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by the Polish defence industry in collaboration with international partners. Serial production of the weapon system began in 2016 after Poland’s Ministry of National Defence placed an order for 96 howitzers, along with accompanying vehicles and equipment.

This artillery system has already demonstrated its effectiveness in real combat during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. According to open sources, the Polish government has donated 54 Krab howitzers to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Furthermore, in June 2020, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence signed a PLN 2.7 billion (approximately EUR 600 million) commercial contract with Huta Stalowa Wola for 56 Krab self-propelled howitzers, which were delivered to the Ukrainian army by mid-2024.