Media: Poland receives batch of "Russia-aimed" howitzers

Poland has received a new batch of South Korean-made K9A1 Thunder self-propelled howitzers as part of its ongoing military modernisation programme, Military Watch Magazine (MWM) reports.

According to the publication, the Polish Armed Forces took delivery of the artillery systems on December 16. The shipment represents the first batch of what MWM described as “Russia-aimed” howitzers, with Warsaw planning to acquire a further 218 units in the coming years.

MWM notes that demand for South Korean artillery systems is growing across Europe, driven in part by concerns over the reliability of Germany’s PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, which has shown mixed performance during its deployment in Ukraine. Several European countries, including Romania, Finland, Estonia and Norway, have also procured the K9 system.

The report comes amid broader efforts by Poland to strengthen its defence capabilities. Earlier, Warsaw placed Patriot air defence missile systems on combat duty, bringing them to full operational readiness. Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland is expected to receive an additional 48 Patriot launchers between 2027 and 2029.

Poland has significantly increased defence spending in recent years, citing regional security concerns and the need to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank.

By Vugar Khalilov