Poles were forced to abandon large-scale plans for their Kryl wheeled self-propelled guns due to analysis of the war in Ukraine
The Polish military has decided not to purchase wheeled self-propelled artillery systems (SAP) after analysing the fighting in Ukraine. This was reported by ZBIAM with reference to a document of the Polish Ministry of National Defence.
Here's What We Know
The Polish defence ministry's response to a parliamentary request published on the website of the Sejm's chancellery states that "taking into account the experience gained during the war in Ukraine", the ministry decided to focus on creating a "strike capability" based on 155 mm Krab self-propelled howitzers made in Poland and South Korean K9 self-propelled artillery systems of various modifications.
The current plan for the technical re-equipment of the Polish army for 2021-2035 does not provide for the purchase of 155-mm Kryl wheeled howitzers. The document states that the possibility of purchasing these artillery systems will be considered after 2035.
A prototype of the Polish Kryl self-propelled artillery system. Illustration: Jerzy Reszczyński
However, the document does not explain why the Polish military came to this conclusion.
The programme "Divisional Fire Module of 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzers" (Dywizjonowy moduł ogniowy 155 mm armatohaubic samobieżnych), under which the Kryl wheeled self-propelled howitzer was developed, was completed by the end of 2022. According to the initial concept, these self-propelled guns were to become part of the artillery units of the Polish army.
However, after the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine, the Polish defence ministry refocused on tracked artillery systems. In December 2024, Poland ordered 96 Krab self-propelled howitzers.
The country also plans to invest about $750 million to increase ammunition production in case of a possible armed conflict with Russia.
Source: ZBIAM
