Polish Krab howitzers bolster Ukraine's front-line defense

"This is how the Polish Krab howitzer fires towards Russian positions," the Ukrainians wrote, confirming that the artillery sent from Poland to the front is still actively participating in confrontations with Russian occupiers.

The first Krab self-propelled howitzers were sent to Ukraine as early as mid-2022. This equipment was part of the military aid flowing to Kyiv from Warsaw. Pleased with the performance of the Krabs, the Ukrainians quickly decided to purchase another 54 units, along with accompanying vehicles.

According to data from the creators of the Oryx blog, which documents the equipment losses of both sides in the ongoing war, 39 Krab howitzers have been taken out of action so far, due to being either destroyed or damaged.

The Krab is considered one of the standout achievements of Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. and the entire Polish defense industry. It is modern equipment when compared to other Western artillery systems, utilizing a 155-caliber gun, which is standard for this type of NATO weapon.

The basic shells used in the Krabs have a range of about 19 miles, but those equipped with a gas generator can extend the effective range to about 25 miles. Moreover, tests of special Vulcano ammunition show that the Krab can reach targets up to 43 miles away. The standard firing rate is 2 shots per minute, and during intensive operations, it can achieve up to 6 shots per minute.

The Krab is equipped with a Topaz fire control system from WB Electronics, as well as tracks and a 1,000 HP engine. According to Ukrainian soldiers, it performs well in difficult terrain, and on paved roads, it can accelerate to approximately 43 mph, which exceeds the manufacturer's declared speed of 37 mph. Among other advantages, Ukrainian forces frequently commend the Polish howitzers for their accuracy and overall reliability.