MSPO 2020: BAE Systems to Support Polish Krab Howitzers Export

The memorandum of understanding is to be signed “soon”, allowing for a collaboration between the companies that would be tighter than up until now. Let us recall - HSW and BAE Systems have established collaboration in the mid-1990s - and the Krab howitzer is a result of that effort. The British have delivered the turret and the related tech.

The memorandum announced does not mean that the former document becomes invalid, it shall rather be viewed as an amendment. This is to create new export prospects for the Polish self-propelled howitzer. Both companies are finalizing a memorandum on the export approvals of the British Department for International Trade for the future marketing campaigns concerning the Krab self-propelled howitzer system manufactured in Poland. After the legal procedure comes to an end, BAE Systems and HSW could jointly plan export campaigns and arrange the potential inclusion of HSW in the global BAE Systems supply chain.

Noteworthy, even though Krab has its roots in the design of the upgraded AS-90 howitzer with a 52-calibre long barrel before it has reached its current form it also underwent thorough upgrades and it was also fitted with new mechanical and electronic systems including the Topaz fire control system). The turret, meanwhile, has been integrated on the new K9 platform with a license allowing HSW to use it in an unlimited manner when developing other platforms. Krab is an entirely new artillery system. This means that the Polish offering is not a competing product when placed alongside the AS-90 - the system above is no longer being manufactured. Thus, the memorandum of understanding supported by the British could greatly expand the export options for Krab.