On Thursday, September 18, 2025, U.S. company Northrop Grumman Corporation and Elaboracja Niewiadów, a company owned by Forum 119 Closed-End Investment Fund (Forum 119 Fundusz Inwestycyjny Zamknięty) and the Niewiadów Group – PGM, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation on artillery ammunition. The agreement covers the development and production of 155 mm ammunition for Polish AHS Krab and K9A1 Thunder howitzers, as well as a wide range of munitions intended for allied forces in Central and Eastern Europe and within NATO.
Photo: Grupa Niewiadów – PGM
Scope of cooperation:
- ADI technology (Austempered Ductile Iron) – potential supply and production of ADI shell bodies by Northrop Grumman, and technical support for manufacturing modern 155 mm ammunition for Krab and K9 systems.
- Broad ammunition portfolio – expanding cooperation to other calibers and types of artillery ammunition, which will increase Poland’s self-sufficiency and strengthen the resilience of NATO’s supply chain.
- Modern manufacturing methods – use of Northrop Grumman’s patented casting and heat-treatment processes to produce lighter, cheaper and more durable projectile bodies using existing, widely available manufacturing equipment.
- European dimension – reinforcing Poland’s position not only as a recipient but also as a regional production hub for artillery ammunition based on Northrop Grumman technology, from which allies in Europe will also benefit.
Frank DeMauro, sector vice president and general manager, weapon systems, Northrop Grumman:
“We expect this MOU will help Poland establish a diverse supply base to meet the growing demand for artillery in Central and Eastern Europe. Our expertise with munitions and advanced manufacturing methods will allow the use of existing commercial facilities to increase supplies without adding strain to Poland’s defense industrial base. This would complement other efforts to increase munitions manufacturing in Poland.”
Mirosław Klepaczewski, president of management board, Elaboracja Niewiadów Sp. z .o.o added:
“For Poland, this MOU is crucial in rapidly developing 155mm ammunition for the Krab and K9 systems. At the same time, it expands our role far beyond national needs — positioning Poland as a key hub for advanced artillery ammunition within NATO. Together with Northrop Grumman, we aim not only to secure Poland`s defence but also to contribute to the stability and security of our allies in Europe.”
Grzegorz Niedzielski, president of management board, Grupa Niewiadów–PGM: “This collaboration confirms that the Polish defence industry can play a key role in NATO’s security system. Our cooperation with Northrop Grumman will not only enable us to expand our technological and production capabilities, but also to strengthen Poland’s industrial sovereignty. Our ambition is for Grupa Niewiadów–PGM to become a lasting pillar of the European artillery ammunition supply chain – capable of meeting the needs of both the Polish Armed Forces and our allies.”
>>>The construction of a 155 mm ammunition factory in Niewiadów<<<
About the technology
Northrop Grumman is a pioneer in applying austempered ductile iron (ADI) to the production of artillery projectile bodies. Thanks to this solution:
- faster introduction of new types of ammunition is possible;
- production can be scaled up using a sand-casting process at plants capable of producing up to 50,000 tons per year;
- the supply chain becomes more resilient and diversified, encompassing facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
- ADI technology lowers costs while maintaining the strength of forged steel, giving Poland and its allies greater flexibility and scalability in artillery production.
Elaboracja Niewiadów is a specialized company established to carry out filling and assembly processes for medium- and large-caliber ammunition, including 155 mm. The company uses advanced shell-filling technologies to ensure the highest precision and repeatability of the process. In close cooperation with ZSP Niewiadów, responsible for component production, integration, testing, and certification, Elaboracja Niewiadów creates a coherent technological chain within the Group, increasing manufacturing capacity and ensuring compliance with NATO requirements. Thanks to this synergy, the company not only focuses on developing its own filling capabilities but also helps build comprehensive solutions that strengthen Poland’s position as a regional hub for the production and supply of modern ammunition.
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