According to a tweet from Jarosław Wolski dated November 27, 2023, the Polish army is on the verge of announcing its intention to acquire approximately 160 K9 self-propelled howitzers in their Polish version. This decision follows the urgent need to replace all of its 2S1 Goździk self-propelled howitzers. This is part of a broader program that includes the acquisition of 48 new Krab and 362 South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers in 155 mm caliber over the next two years.
The decision of the Polish army is set against a backdrop where lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine have highlighted the critical importance of artillery. The war has demonstrated that artillery losses can be significant, thus underscoring the importance of an approach focused on both quantity and quality. Additionally, there is a strategic concern that by 2027-2028, Russia could regain its ability to conduct large-scale operations outside Ukraine, motivating Poland to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
The modernization of the Polish artillery is also driven by production challenges and the need to standardize artillery calibers. The transition from 122 mm to 155 mm, more standardized within NATO, ensures better ammunition availability.
The K9 PL, derived from the South Korean K9 chassis, is a self-propelled howitzer equipped with a 155 mm gun and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, offering impressive firepower. The vehicle provides effective protection against 14.5 mm caliber armor-piercing shells and 152 mm artillery shell fragments, thus offering increased safety to its crew of five.