The first Polish 155 mm artillery shell has entered a critical phase after successfully completing four tests at various locations, demonstrating the capability for annual production of up to 100,000 units.
The shell’s casing, developed and produced by the Polish company PGO in collaboration with the Military Institute of Armament Technology, underwent its most significant test this week at the Central Air Force Training Ground in Ustka.
Development of Poland’s First 155 mm Artillery Shell: Key Milestones
The 155 mm artillery shell casing by PGO has already completed three successful field tests. Initial trials took place in April at the facilities of the Military Institute of Armament Technology, marking the first major evaluation of the design in a field environment.
Two additional tests utilizing ballistic guns were conducted at different training grounds. In early August, the casing was assessed using an AHS KRAB howitzer at the WITU OBD training ground in Stalowa Wola, followed by further firings in Niewiadów to evaluate design specifications, including the use of enhanced propellant charges.
Production Goals for the 155 mm Artillery Shell
PGO is currently one of the leading Polish entities capable of manufacturing this type of ammunition casing, with estimated production capacity reaching approximately 100,000 units per year.
This initiative by PGO and WITU addresses a significant challenge faced by modern armed forces: limited global production capabilities for artillery ammunition. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted that artillery consumes vast quantities of ammunition in wartime. Moreover, Poland has rapidly expanded its stock of 155 mm artillery systems, including Krab howitzers and Korean K9s. Without sufficient ammunition reserves, even the most advanced artillery systems cannot fully leverage their potential.
Security debates concerning Poland’s ammunition supply highlight that a target stockpile may require at least 3 million 155 mm shells to ensure readiness.
