Poland set to expand artillery shell production amid Russian threat

Poland is set to significantly ramp up its domestic production of howitzer ammunition, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and bolster national defence in the face of escalating threats from Russia.

The state-controlled defence conglomerate PGZ will soon receive a government injection of 2.4 billion zlotys ($663 million) to increase output of large-calibre artillery shells, said Jakub Jaworowski, Poland’s Minister of State Assets, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Jaworowski outlined the ambitious plan to address one of Poland’s critical defence vulnerabilities. “The investment aims to increase the group’s annual output of 155mm artillery shells, which are used for NATO-standard howitzers, and 120mm shells for tanks,” he said, emphasizing the strategic importance of these munitions.

Russia’s ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine has underscored the pivotal role of 155mm ammunition in modern combat scenarios. “155mm ammunition plays a key role on the modern battlefield and is needed in large numbers,” Jaworowski remarked, highlighting the operational necessity driving Poland’s accelerated production.

“Our goal in the short term is to significantly increase domestic production of this type of armament, as well as to become independent of foreign supplies and build a sustainable base for national autonomy. This is one of our priorities,” he added, signaling a clear intent to fortify Poland’s military-industrial complex against external shocks.

The announcement coincides with financial challenges facing Grupa Azoty, a key Polish chemical producer integral to the country’s defence supply chain. Jaworowski disclosed that Azoty’s future hinges on lender approval for a restructuring plan that may see the state’s ownership stake rise from 33 per cent to nearly 49 per cent. However, he lamented delays caused by the European Investment Bank (EIB), a major creditor.

“I was expecting them [the EIB] to be the first to jump in on the opportunity and to propose a restructuring plan,” Jaworowski said. “My surprise was that they are not as eager as I would expect them to be, judging by their mandate as a development bank and given how supportive some of the fully commercial banks have been.”

In response, the EIB stated it is “actively engaged in efforts to put Grupa Azoty on a sustainable footing,” adding that it has made “constructive proposals” but declined further comment due to the company’s listed status and ongoing negotiations.

As Poland confronts an increasingly volatile security environment, its robust drive to enhance self-sufficiency in defence production marks a decisive strategic shift intended to strengthen its deterrence capabilities against potential aggression from the east.

By Vafa Guliyeva