Poland is poised for a significant surge in ammunition production, with plans to increase the annual output of 155mm artillery shells from approximately 30,000 to 180,000 by the year 2027. Prime Minister Donald Tusk unveiled this ambitious plan during a visit to the Polish Nitro-Chem ammunition factory in Bydgoszcz, a facility recognized as a pivotal supplier of TNT in Europe. The intention behind this initiative is to ensure that the Polish army’s needs are met while also reducing dependence on external arms imports.
This development comes on the heels of a series of strategic investments by Poland’s Armaments Group (PGZ), which is actively working to enhance 155mm ammunition production through collaborations with four state-owned companies. A significant portion of the funding—amounting to $31.2 million—has been allocated specifically to Nitro-Chem for the acquisition of new technological lines aimed at expanding production capabilities.
Reflecting on recent achievements, Prime Minister Tusk noted that when he took office in 2023, Poland’s annual output of 155mm shells was a mere 5,000 units. However, he indicated that this figure is set to rise to about 30,000 by the end of the current year. He further asserted that reaching the target of 180,000 shells annually within the next two years is a “very realistic goal.”
Strategically located on the eastern border of Ukraine, Poland’s increased ammunition production is expected to provide critical support not only to the Polish military but also to allied forces facing ongoing challenges amid Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. The enhancement of 155mm shell production is particularly relevant, as these shells are standard for NATO forces, vastly improving operational interoperability among member nations.
While Ukraine is not a NATO member, it heavily relies on 155mm shells supplied through military aid from Western allies. These artillery rounds offer notable advantages over older Soviet-era munitions, such as the 152mm caliber, featuring improved range, accuracy, and technological sophistication.
The ambitious production goals underscore Poland’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities while contributing to regional stability amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe.
