Strategic Partnership for Artillery Ammunition Production in Poland
Introduction
On September 12, 2025, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) announced a groundbreaking alliance with BAE Systems to develop a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for 155mm artillery ammunition in Poland. This initiative is designed to enhance the country’s battlefield munitions production capabilities at a time when regional security demands are growing.
Technological Transfer and Capacity Enhancement
BAE Systems will leverage its advanced manufacturing technologies and expertise to empower PGZ. The facility will incorporate automated technologies similar to those utilized in BAE’s UK operations, which have previously yielded a remarkable sixteen-fold increase in the output of 155mm artillery shells.
Quality and Compatibility
For over five decades, BAE Systems’ 155mm artillery shells have been a cornerstone of the British Army’s firepower. Key attributes include:
- NATO Compliance: All munitions will adhere to NATO standards.
- Interoperability: Designed to be compatible with various military platforms used by Poland.
- Performance: The shells are recognized for their reliability and advanced design features.
Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains
This partnership marks a pivotal move to fortify PGZ and Poland’s domestic supply chain. By reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, this initiative aims to:
- Generate numerous highly skilled job opportunities within Poland.
- Enhance Poland’s industrial base and improve supply chain resilience amidst shifting security dynamics.
Statements from Leadership
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“This collaboration builds upon our long-standing defense relationship with Poland. The transfer of technology and knowledge not only enhances Poland’s production capacity for critical 155mm munitions but also reinforces its industrial base in a landscape characterized by unpredictability.”
Adam Leszkiewicz, President of PGZ, added:
“In evaluating proposals, we prioritized achieving production sovereignty and the potential for growth in PGZ’s ammunition sector. This long-term contract grants us essential new competencies, and I am confident that we have made the right strategic choice for both our organization and Poland’s international alignment.”
Increasing Global Demand
Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the global demand for artillery ammunitions, with 155mm shells becoming critical components for Poland’s K9 and Krab self-propelled howitzers. PGZ plans to scale its production capacity to approximately 150,000 to 180,000 large-caliber shells annually, ensuring alignment with Poland’s national security objectives.
UK-Poland Defense Industrial Cooperation
This venture aligns with the UK Government’s goal of fostering tighter security collaborations with Poland, as articulated in its recent Strategic Defence Review, which highlighted defense industrial partnerships in complex weapon systems.
Defence Secretary John Healey remarked:
“We are committed to supporting British enterprises in the global arena, and this investment serves as a strong endorsement of British industry. This partnership not only enhances Poland’s security but also broadens our UK-Poland defense industrial relationship, illustrating how defense acts as a growth engine for both nations.”
Timeline and Future Outlook
The construction of the new munitions facility is set to commence within the year, with an expected completion date between 2027 and 2028. This strategic investment signals a decisive step toward enhancing Poland’s defense readiness and collaborative industrial efforts with the UK.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in joint defense efforts aimed at reinforcing regional security while expanding industrial capacities. The commitment to local production underscores a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency in defense capabilities, catering to both national and NATO obligations.
