Poland orders $4 billion worth of self-propelled howitzers for army modernisation

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has announced a significant contract worth over $4 billion for the acquisition of 96 self-propelled howitzers, known as KRAB, which are produced domestically.

The 17 billion zlotys ($4.25 billion) deal includes not only the howitzers but also related equipment, with the Polish Ministry of Defence emphasizing that this agreement will greatly enhance the operational strength of the Polish Army, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Kosiniak-Kamysh hailed the deal as a "historic moment," calling it a “great gift” from Poland’s arms industry to its military.

This agreement is part of a broader strategy by the Polish government to strengthen its defence forces through a series of high-profile acquisitions. Additionally, the Polish Ministry of Defence has outlined plans for a 10% budget increase for the military in 2025, signalling a continued focus on national security and readiness in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.

In addition to the KRAB howitzers, Poland is set to acquire a range of advanced military equipment: 32 new fighter jets for the Air Force, with potential future acquisitions of fifth-generation jets beyond the 32 F-35s already ordered. Options under consideration include the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing’s F-15EX.

It also aims at helicopter upgrades, including new training helicopters and ship-based helicopters to replace outdated aircraft such as the SW-4 Puszczyk and Kaman SH-2G Seasprite currently in use.

The country envisages a boost to Poland's drone force with the acquisition of additional combat and surveillance UAVs, and three to four new submarines with an eye to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities, especially in the strategically critical Baltic Sea.

Since taking office in December 2023, Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government has been aggressive in securing critical defence contracts, including:

- A $10 billion deal for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to enhance Poland's ground attack and combat capabilities.

- A $2.5 billion contract for Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) to bolster Poland’s air and missile defence systems.

- A $1 billion deal for aerostat-based early warning radar systems from the United States.

In May, Poland signed a $1.6 billion agreement with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace for the purchase of 72 K239 Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket systems.

By Tamilla Hasanova