Image source: topwar.ru
Poland continues to arm, planning eventually to create one of the most powerful and heavily armed armies of Europe. In addition to the purchase of arms from other countries, Warsaw hosts of the orders and private enterprises, in particular the supply of self-propelled artillery installations will provide the company Huta Stalowa Wola, producing SAU Krab.
Today, the Ministry of defence of Poland signed another contract for an additional supply of domestic Krab self-propelled howitzers. As reported in the Polish defense Ministry ordered 48 self-propelled artillery Krab, 22 command vehicles, 12 cars 2 ammunition and mobile workshops for the repair of weapons. All this will cost the Polish budget 3.81 billion zlotys, which translated into dollars is almost 799 million
All of this equipment of the Polish army should get in 2025 - 2027 years. In addition, the company Huta Stalowa Wola needs to make up to 2025 45 similar ACS according to the previously signed contract. In the year of the Polish industry can produce 20 to 30 SAU depending on funding, so in time they must meet. However, there is still contact with Kiev for the supply of APU 54 Polish ACS of new construction. The timing of implementation is not known, but Zelensky allegedly urges Warsaw supplies of howitzers. Give Warsaw a priority for the Ukrainian contract or will move it to the side, that's an interesting question.
Self-propelled artillery Krab is equipped with a chassis from the South Korean K9 Thunder howitzers and tower ACS from the British AS-90M Braveheart (produced in Poland under license). Weight SAU Krab is 52 tons, crew of 5 people. Caliber gun to 155 mm, the rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute with a maximum range of fire is 40 km (when using specialized precision-guided munitions to 70 km). The howitzer is able to reach the speed of 60 km/h and has a power reserve of approximately 360 km.