Armed Forces
Series Manufactured Krab Howitzers Officially Received by the Polish Armed Forces
In late June this year a batch of series manufactured “Krab” self propelled howitzers has been introduced into the inventory of the Sulechów-based 5th “Lubuski” Artillery Regiment.
HSW S.A. has already begun the series manufacturing for the first (or second, if implementation element is taken into the equation) “Regina” DMO Squadron Level Fire Module, consisting of 24 155 mm Krab sphs. Each of these units includes: 24 Krab armoured 155 mm self-propelled tracked howitzers, DMO commander staff-command vehicle (WDSz), DMO chief of staff staff-command vehicle (WDSz), 3 command vehicles for the battery commander (WD), 6 command vehicles for the fire platoon commander (WD), all based on the HSW-designed and -manufactured LPG tracked platform, along with 6 ammunition carriers (WA) and 1 electronics/armament workshop vehicle (WRUE) - all based on the wheeled Jelcz platforms. The handing off concerned the second battery of the first DMO module (Squadron-level Fire Module). The first one had already been delivered back in March.
Introduction of the DMO elements into the inventory of the Polish military marks the beginning of implementation of the 14th December 2016 agreement signed by and between HSW S.A. (PGZ Group company) and the Armament Inspectorate of the MoD, with regards to delivery of four squadron-level fire elements also known as REGINA. The agreement value exceeds PLN 4.5 billion. It remains one of the most significant contracts ever concluded, with involvement of the Polish defence industry.
155 mm self-propelled howitzer is a top class artillery asset. The purpose of the Krab sph is to act against and destroy tube and rocket artillery batteries, command posts, communication nodes, fortified areas, main battle tanks, mechanized and motorized elements in any location or operational context. The howitzers are also used to act against the enemy armour behind the enemy lines and with the use of direct fire. They could also be utilized for the purpose of disabling the enemy logistics. Krab offers rate of fire of 6 shots per minute in an intense firing scenario. The range at which the targets could be destroyed goes up to 40 kilometers. The howitzer has been fitted with INS/GPS (SAASM enhanced) navigation system, advanced fire control system, air conditioning and filtering system, digital intercom and digital communications system, fire extinguishing and explosion mitigation system, daytime and night vision observation systems for the driver and the commander, and a protection and warning system for the vehicle, allowing for detection of laser rangefinders or target designators aimed at the howitzer. The latter makes it possible to automatically deploy a smokescreen. Krab also features a direct-fire aiming system, ballistic radar and a power supply unit. Apart from the 155 mm cannon, Krab also features a .50-cal. machine gun and 2x4 smoke grenades launcher.