Hanwha Aerospace has secured a contract from defence contractor Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) to supply chassis components for the Polish Armed Forces’ Krab self-propelled howitzers (SPH).
This deal, valued at approximately $280m (1.09bn zlotys), marks a continuation of the collaboration between the South Korean and Polish defence industries.
Under the contract, Hanwha will deliver “key components” for 87 additional Polish Krab SPHs between 2026 and 2028.
The contract also encompasses the provision of powerpacks for the SPHs.
The Krab, said to be a crucial artillery asset used by the Polish Armed Forces, is a 155mm/52-calibre SPH designed and produced in Poland by HSW in partnership with Hanwha.
In 2024, Poland allocated a defence budget of $36.4bn, as per GlobalData report.
Over the course of 2025-2029, it is projected that the country’s defence spending will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 4%.
The Polish defence market encompasses several key segments, including missile and missile defence systems, artillery systems, military land vehicles, military fixed-wing aircraft, and electronic warfare.
The missile and missile defence systems sector represented the largest portion of Poland’s defence market in 2024. It is anticipated to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period.
The relationship between Hanwha Aerospace and HSW dates back over a decade, with the first contract signed in 2014 for the supply of chassis components for the Krab howitzer. This was followed by a second agreement in 2023, making the current deal the third of its kind.
Hanwha Aerospace president and CEO Jaeil Son said: “About a decade ago, we began our journey together with the first KRAB programme.
“The success of those 120 units demonstrated not only the integration of technologies from both sides but also became the cornerstone of an ironclad relationship between our two nations.”
“Hanwha Aerospace will stand by HSW for the freedom of our countries, leveraging HSW’s world-class facilities and engineering expertise.”
Recently, Hanwha secured a $253m contract to supply components for assembling an additional 100 units of K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers for the Indian Army.
The K9 Vajra-T is a 155mm, 52-calibre tracked artillery system, which is a derivative of the South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer, was co-developed by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace.
