Poland’s Strategic Artillery Development Amid Rising Tensions
Geographic Proximity to Threats
Poland shares a 210 km border with Russia and a 416 km boundary with Belarus, placing it at the frontline of NATO’s response to increasing geopolitical threats. The nation is prioritizing its defense readiness, which has led to the establishment of one of Western Europe’s most formidable military forces. The continuous enhancement of its artillery capabilities underscores the urgency for a robust supply of munitions, particularly in light of the real-time consumption data emerging from the conflict in Ukraine.
Manufacturing Resilience in Munitions
In response to this heightened demand, KNDS France has embarked on a strategic pivot toward a wartime production model. Pierre Gouaux, the Regional Director for Ammunition at KNDS, confirmed that significant advances have been made in scaling production facilities, specifically for artillery shells.
- Production Expansion: The output of 155 mm artillery rounds has experienced a threefold increase, facilitated by the installation of advanced machinery at facilities in Bourges, France, and Petit-Roeulx-Lez-Nivelles, Belgium.
- International Collaboration: The partnership also includes KNDS Ammo Italy in Colleferro, ensuring that modular charge production meets new demand levels.
Historical Ties and Future Collaboration
Poland’s defense collaboration with France has deep roots that trace back to World War I. The modern iteration of this alliance has been fortified through frameworks such as the Treaty of Nancy, emphasizing political and military cooperation.
Gouaux noted, “The long-standing relationship has translated into a tangible commitment for European—if not specifically French—preference in critical defense segments.”
Artillery Acquisition and Military Growth
Poland is undergoing a robust expansion of its artillery forces. With ongoing programs set to deploy 200 Krab and 600 K9 self-propelled howitzers, it is poised to command the largest artillery force in Western Europe. This escalation inevitably sparks a massive requirement for 155 mm munitions.
- Current Needs: The Polish defense establishment, alongside PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa), is accelerating production capabilities to form a comprehensive war stockpile.
- Technology Transfer: Gouaux emphasized that while PGZ possesses the foundational technical expertise, acquiring advanced technologies from KNDS is critical to enhance efficiency and meet stringent performance requirements.
Collaborative Efforts and Next Steps
Over the past two years, extensive dialogues between PGZ and KNDS have facilitated mutual audits and factory visits, promoting a deeper understanding of each party’s operational strengths.
- Production Strategy: KNDS has proposed an ambitious plan to produce between 150,000 and 200,000 rounds of 155 mm munitions annually within Poland, leveraging existing PGZ infrastructure rather than initiating expansive new constructions.
- Phased Implementation: Initial phases will involve importing raw shell bodies from France and Belgium, followed by local machining and assembly, gradually shifting to a fully domestic production model.
Exploring Production Options
Poland’s strategy regarding ammunition production remains under discussion. The bipartite structure may focus on specialization or equip each facility with full-scale production capabilities. Notably, Nitro-Chem Chemical Works is exploring the adoption of melting cast technology to facilitate the transition to insensitive munitions.
- Current Capacity Shortcomings: Present-day output levels for 155 mm ammunition are significantly below the ambitious targets. KNDS aims to ramp up production to meet these goals over a projected three-year timeline.
Broader Collaboration Potential
Beyond the immediate needs for conventional artillery rounds, KNDS is aiming to expand the scope of collaboration with PGZ to encompass:
- Smoke and illumination rounds
- Development of 120 mm tank rounds
- Precision-guided munitions such as the Katana artillery shells
The strategic focus also encompasses a licensing agreement for advanced projectile technology and future collaboration on propellant production, strengthening the Polish-French industrial partnership.
Upcoming Decisions and Tactical Advantages
As Poland nears a decision on its production strategy, earlier discussions indicate a strong preference for KNDS’s combat-proven solutions, particularly following their demonstrated effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These products, including the CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, highlight the agility and precision essential for modern battlefields.
KNDS France is resolutely prepared to offer advanced technology transfers, ensuring that Poland not only meets its immediate defense needs but also fortifies its strategic military posture for the future.
