KNDS France Offers to Boost Poland’s 155mm Artillery Ammunition Production with Local Technology Transfer

In response to growing security threats along Poland’s borders with Russia (210 km) and Belarus (416 km), KNDS France has proposed a major collaboration with Poland’s state defence group PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa) to scale up local production of 155 mm artillery ammunition, essential for modern warfare.

Poland is fast emerging as one of NATO’s most heavily armed nations in Europe, with plans to field 200 Krab and 600 K9 self-propelled howitzers—the highest number of such artillery platforms in Western Europe. To keep these systems operational during prolonged conflict, a massive ammunition stockpile is required.

KNDS France: From War Economy to Strategic Partnership

Pierre Gouaux, Regional Director for Ammunition at KNDS France, told EDR On-Line that the company tripled its ammunition production after the war in Ukraine began, following French government guidelines to adopt a “war economy” posture. Production lines in Bourges (France), Petit-Roeulx-Lez-Nivelles (Belgium), and Colleferro (Italy) have been significantly upgraded.

These facilities are now producing 155 mm, 52-caliber artillery rounds capable of reaching targets over 40 km away, compatible with Poland’s Krab and K9 howitzers.

Strategic Technology Transfer to Poland

KNDS France is not simply offering finished products—it has proposed a full technology transfer to PGZ, with the aim of enabling Poland to produce between 150,000 and 200,000 complete rounds per year.

The partnership includes:

• Use of PGZ’s existing subsidiaries, such as:

  • Dezamet and Mesko for mechanical components

  • Nitro-Chem for energetic materials (explosives)

• Transfer of latest manufacturing technology, including machining tools capable of producing 35,000 shells per year with just one operator

• Potential shift from extrusion to melting-cast lines at Nitro-Chem, enabling production of Insensitive Munitions (IM)—safer in combat environments

Three-Year Ramp-Up Plan

The proposal outlines a phased, three-year plan:

1. Initial shell bodies to come from France or Belgium while Poland builds forging capacity.

2. Machining, assembly, and filling will be gradually localized using new equipment and trained Polish workers.

3. Full production will shift to Polish soil once the local supply chain is ready.

Currently, Poland's production capacity is much lower than needed, making this partnership critical for Warsaw’s defence plans.

Future Expansion Possibilities

KNDS France is open to expanding the deal beyond high-explosive shells. Possibilities include:

• Smoke and illumination rounds

• 120 mm tank ammunition

• Precision-guided 155 mm artillery shells, such as the Katana

• French-designed fuses with full tech transfer

• Sourcing propellant powders from Poland under this alliance

Poland’s Decision Pending

A decision from Poland is expected soon. KNDS France is confident in its offering, especially given its battle-proven CAESAR howitzers, which performed effectively in Ukraine.

“We are ready to transfer our latest technologies, including ammunition that has proven its effectiveness in Ukraine,” said Pierre Gouaux.

This partnership not only supports Poland’s growing defence industry, but also strengthens European defence autonomy in the face of emerging threats.