Krab 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (Poland)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-16

The Krab self-propelled howitzer, developed by BAE Systems Land Systems, won international competition to meet future self-propelled artillery systems requirement for the Polish Army. Polish requirement was for around 130 howitzers of this type. The first order was expected in 2008. However Polish MoD halted its order due to a possible bribery case. A total of 24 howitzers were ordered. In 2011 the first prototype was ready for firing trials. By 2012 a total of 8 howitzers have been built and were delivered to the Polish Army. At the time future of this artillery system was uncertain due to various problems, including lack of suitable chassis for this artillery system. Indian Army expressed interest in obtaining these Polish artillery systems, however no orders were placed. Nevertheless Poland managed to overcome problems and ramp up production. By 2021 a total of 96 Krab howitzers were in Polish service. In 2022 it was announced that Poland is donating 18 of these howitzers to Ukraine in order to defend against the Russian invasion. Agreement was also reached to sell another 56 Krabs to Ukraine. By November 2022 Poland delivered a total of 54 Krabs to Ukraine. In 2022 Poland ordered another 48 Krabs for the Polish Army. These will be delivered in 2025-2027.

   Turret of the Krab is almost identical to that installed on the British AS90 Braveheart. This turret is license-produced in Poland. It is fitted with a 155 mm/L52 howitzer, which is compatible with all standard NATO 155 mm ammunition. The Krab has an automatic shell loading system and modular charge system. Maximum range of fire is 30 km with standard HE-FRAG shell and 40 km with rocket assisted shell. A total of 60 shells are carried. It is also compatible with precision-guided munitions.

   Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun.

   The Krab is fitted with a Polish Topaz fire control system, intercom and radios. This artillery system has a Danish muzzle reference system, which tracks outgoing shells and adjusts the next shot.

   Hull and turret of this self-propelled howitzer has an all-welded steel construction. Armor  provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The Krab is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Early production Krab howitzers used a modified chassis of the Polish PT-91 Twardy man battle tank. It was powered by a S-12U diesel engine, developing 850 horsepower. These howitzers could reach a top speed of 60 km/h. These systems were fitted with a self-entrenching blade and could prepare defensive emplacements on their own. However since 2012 production of the S-12U engine, that powered the PT-91 tank and Krab howitzer, stopped. A German MTU-881 Ka500 engine was proposed as an alternative. However it would not fit in the Krab's hull without substantial modifications. In 2013 it was reported that the Krab will use chassis of the Turkish T-155 Firtina self-propelled howitzer. However in 2014 it was reported that Poland plans to acquire 120 tracked chassis of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer. Actually the Turkish T-155 is a license-produced version of the South Korean K9. Most likely that it appeared more reasonable for Poland to import chassis directly from South Korea rather than from Turkey. First new hulls for the Krab were completed in 2015. It was planned that 36 units will be produced in South Korea and the rest 84 in Poland.

   A battery of Krab artillery system consists of 6 Krab self-propelled howitzers, 2 ammunition resupply vehicles, based on the Star 1466 6x6 trucks, Waran maintenance vehicle and Azalia artillery command and control vehicle.

   During the 2022 Russian invasion to Ukraine this artillery system recommended itself well. Ukrainian soldiers, who previously operated the Soviet 2S19 Msta-S 152 mm self-propelled howitzers reported that the Krab is much easier to operate, has significantly longer range and is more accurate than the Msta-S. Combat use of the Krab revealed that most shells land within 50 meters from the designated target.

Newer version of the Krab, based on the chassis of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer. First new hulls for the Krab were completed in 2015. It was planned that 36 units will be produced in South Korea and the rest 84 in Poland. The Krab howitzer based on the new South Korean chassis is significantly faster. It can reach up to 70 km/h.