Poland has announced a significant expansion of its production of 155mm artillery ammunition in response to security challenges posed by the Russian-Ukrainian war. According to Minister of State Assets Jakub Javorowski, the defense consortium PGZ intends to increase its annual output of large-caliber shells from 30,000 to 150,000–180,000 units over the next three years. This represents an increase in production capacity of at least 400%.
This is reported by Business • Media
Funding and Strategic Independence
To implement this large-scale project, the Polish government will allocate 2.4 billion zlotys (approximately $663 million) from the state budget in the coming days. The primary goal is to provide the Polish Armed Forces with sufficient ammunition to defend the country and reduce dependence on imports. PGZ manufactures 155mm shells for howitzers and 120mm shells for tanks, which are critical for the country’s defense capabilities.
“Our short-term goal is to significantly increase the production of this type of weapon and become independent from foreign suppliers,” Javorowski stated.
The Importance of 155mm Ammunition for Defense
The minister emphasized that the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the crucial role of 155mm shells in modern combat operations. They are needed in large quantities, and their shortage is one of the most pressing issues for the Polish army. According to estimates from the National Security Bureau, Poland’s current ammunition stocks would last only a week or two in the event of open aggression, and some types of shells could run out in just 5–7 days. Therefore, the expansion of production capacity takes on particular strategic significance for the country.