Ukrainian forces bolster defence with Polish Krab howitzers
On social media, a new recording has surfaced confirming that Ukrainians are still using Krab howitzers. This weapon, provided by Poland, is highlighted for its key features.
The brief video was posted on the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense's official profile on platform X (formerly Twitter). The post emphasised that Krabs are still in service, helping to defend against invaders. It also reminded viewers of a key feature of this weapon – its 155 mm calibre gun.
ASH Krab in Ukraine
The equipment produced by Huta Stalowa Wola is similar to other artillery used in NATO countries in this respect. The 155 mm calibre shells are the standard in modern artillery Alliance countries use.
Much like the German PzH 2000, the Krab has a barrel length of 52 calibres. The minimum range is estimated at 5 kilometres. The maximum distance shells fired from the Polish howitzer can reach is approximately 40 kilometres. The design has been adapted to fire both standard shells and shells with a rocket-assisted boost (the latter having a greater range). Both contain 9 kilograms of TNT.
Polish weapon praised by Ukrainians
Ukrainian soldiers and politicians have repeatedly praised Polish howitzers. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Zvarich, stated in 2023 that Krabs are weapons that have significantly altered the situation on the front. Artillerymen using Krabs have often stressed that it is a weapon with very good accuracy and high durability.
The clearest evidence of the high utility of Polish howitzers is that they have repeatedly seen action on the front line, including near Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
In Ukraine, Krabs also perform exceptionally well in terms of mobility. Let us remind you that Polish howitzers use a caterpillar chassis, which allows them to overcome difficult obstacles, even in muddy terrain. They also have a 1,000 hp engine.
The manufacturer claims that Krabs can accelerate to 60 kilometres per hour on paved roads. Still, Ukrainian soldiers assert that they can reach even higher speeds – up to 70 kilometres per hour. The range of this 53-tonne equipment on a single fuel tank is approximately 400 kilometres.
