Polish Krab 2 self-propelled artillery: a step forward with automatic loading.
The Krab 2 is a new generation of self-propelled artillery developed by Huta Stalowa Wola, incorporating an automatic loading system and a higher-pressure barrel, built on combat data from more than 70 Krab guns currently in service in Ukraine.
Poland's Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) is developing the Krab 2 self-propelled howitzer with two key changes: an automatic loading system and a barrel with higher operating pressure. These improvements are based on the real-world combat experience of more than 70 Krab howitzers that have been delivered and sold to Ukraine since 2022.
Overview of the Krab 2 program
According to Arkadiusz Bak, Vice President of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa – the parent company of HSW – the Krab 2 is envisioned as an upgraded version with a significantly higher level of sophistication compared to the current Krab. Poland is utilizing a comprehensive dataset on the Krab's operational performance in combat conditions to define the new configuration.
By 2029, the Polish Army is expected to receive 212 Krab self-propelled howitzers, some of which will be the new version. HSW also stated that it currently has the capacity to produce 50-60 self-propelled howitzers per year, laying the industrial foundation for large-scale deployment of the Krab 2.
Automatic loading system and combat impact
The most significant new feature of the Krab 2 is its automatic loading system. Compared to the manual loading mechanism, this solution is expected to increase the rate of fire, stabilize the firing rhythm, and reduce the workload for the gun crew.
According to Defense Express, when a complete automatic loading system is integrated, the combat module can achieve a high degree of automation, allowing the number of combat crews to be reduced to 2-3 people. This makes it easier to organize artillery units and increases their ability to maintain firepower under high-intensity combat conditions.
Tactically, automatic loading systems greatly support "fire-and-move" strategies, shortening the time artillery is exposed in position. Artillery crews can fire more intensely in a short period, then leave their positions before the enemy has a chance to retaliate.
Higher pressure gun barrels and industrial capacity
Along with the automatic loading system, the Krab 2 will replace the gun barrel with one that has higher pressure specifications. Higher chamber pressure generally allows for increased range and firepower, especially when combined with modern artillery shells.
The development roadmap for Krab's gun barrels clearly demonstrates Poland's progress in building industrial capacity. Initially, the manufacturer planned to use barrels supplied by BAE Systems of the UK. After that company ceased production (only resuming in June 2025), Krab switched to barrels from Nexter (France), and then Rheinmetall (Germany).
Ultimately, Huta Stalowa Wola took control of barrel production. According to HSW's assessment, they have now achieved independent barrel design capability, except when they need to use solutions from other manufacturers. This gives the Krab 2 greater technical independence and reduces its reliance on external supply chains.
Lessons from the Ukrainian battlefield
Poland currently possesses a comprehensive dataset on the operational performance of over 70 Krab self-propelled howitzers that have been delivered and sold to Ukraine. These systems have been in combat since 2022 and have received positive reviews, providing a wealth of information on their reliability, operational rhythm, mobility, and sustained firepower in high-intensity combat environments.
These experiences likely highlighted areas for improvement in combat ergonomics, loading procedures, crew fatigue levels, and the ability to maintain sustained firing. The Krab 2's switch to automatic loading and the use of a higher-pressure barrel indicates an upgrade priority focused on combat performance and system durability.
Contact similar systems
Defense Express believes that the Krab 2's approach of automatic loading is in line with current trends. KNDS has implemented a similar solution on the RCH-155, while South Korea's Hanwha is developing the K9 A2 version with an automatic loader, and the K9A3 is envisioned as an unmanned self-propelled artillery system.
These are examples showing that self-propelled artillery is moving towards a high level of automation, with smaller crews, focusing on fire control and command rather than mechanical operation. The Krab 2, with its automated combat module and automatic loading, is part of that trend.
The position of Krab 2 in the Polish artillery forces.
Poland is now not only developing the Krab but also operating and localizing the production of the K9 self-propelled howitzer at domestic facilities. The Polish armed forces now possess more K9s from South Korea than the Krab. Of the 364 K9 systems ordered, 146 will be the domestically produced K9PL version.
The Krab is currently the result of combining the British AS90 turret with the South Korean K9 chassis. With a large number of K9s already in stock and the push to localize the K9PL, the Krab 2 can be seen as the next step in development, aiming to maintain its own self-propelled artillery design and production capabilities while leveraging existing industrial experience.
From a force organization perspective, the parallel presence of K9, K9PL, and Krab/Krab 2 creates high demands for standardization in logistics, training, and maintenance. The Krab 2's integration of automatic loading and its domestically produced HSW barrel provides Poland with additional options for modernizing its artillery forces on a national industrial base.
Trends in automated self-propelled artillery.
The Krab 2, RCH-155, K9A2, and the unmanned K9A3 guided missile clearly demonstrate the trend of modern artillery: reduced personnel, increased automation, optimized firing rate, and shortened deployment and withdrawal times. In this context, HSW's focus on automatic loading systems and high-pressure gun barrels is a step in line with the demands of modern warfare.
According to available information, other upgrade details on the Krab 2, based on battlefield experience, have not been disclosed. However, the clear identification of two key components—automatic loading and a new gun barrel—indicates Poland's priority is to increase firepower effectiveness and reduce the burden on the crew, based on real-world data from the Ukrainian battlefield.
In the future, as more specific technical information about the Krab 2 is released, a more detailed assessment of its position relative to other next-generation self-propelled artillery systems around the world may be possible. At present, the confirmed findings suggest that the Krab 2 represents a significant step forward in Poland's artillery modernization efforts.
