Strengthening artillery ammunition production capabilities in Europe begins with the right partnerships. Northrop Grumman Polska and Elaboracja Niewiadów, with the participation of Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna and ZSP Niewiadów, have signed a framework agreement defining the principles of cooperation in the production and further market introduction of 155 mm artillery ammunition for the European market.
Photos: Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna
The signing of the framework agreement represents the next stage of cooperation initiated by a Memorandum of Understanding concluded in September last year. Within a relatively short period, the parties progressed from an initial declaration of intent to formal arrangements enabling the execution of joint industrial and market projects in Poland (Northrop Grumman and Elaboracja Niewiadów reach agreement on 155 mm ammunition production).
The cooperation combines the complementary competencies of both sides. Northrop Grumman contributes its experience in the design and production of artillery ammunition as well as advanced manufacturing technologies, while the companies of Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna bring capabilities in the field of filling, assembly, and final integration. The cooperation model provides for a flexible approach to the implementation of joint production and commercialization initiatives, allowing the parties to assume a leading role—including in market activities—depending on the nature of a given project.
The first area of cooperation is the joint production of a 155 mm artillery projectile, which is currently at an advanced stage of preparation for the certification process. The framework agreement also provides a foundation for the further development of joint activities related to qualification, implementation, and offering of the product to the market.
The cooperation includes the application of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) technology in the manufacturing process of artillery projectile bodies. ADI is an example of a proven, commercial production process that has been successfully adapted to demanding defense applications. This technology enables performance parameters comparable to steel while simultaneously reducing implementation time, facilitating design modifications, and allowing production to be scaled to high volumes.
Northrop Grumman has pioneered the use of ADI in artillery ammunition production—hundreds of projectiles have already been tested and successfully fired. This makes it possible to significantly change the traditional approach to projectile body manufacturing by reducing the need for retooling production lines and shortening response times to market needs.
The rapid transition from an MoU to a framework agreement demonstrates how effectively we can jointly respond to the growing demand for artillery ammunition in Europe. Our goal is to develop modern, scalable production capabilities and implement them efficiently, said Mirosław Klepaczewski, President of the Management Board of Elaboracja Niewiadów.
The framework agreement enables the integration of Northrop Grumman’s advanced manufacturing technologies with the production capacity and experience of the Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna companies, creating a foundation both for the development of production in Poland and for joint market activities offering complete solutions, added Adam Januszko, President of the Management Board of Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna.
The partnership allows Northrop Grumman to bring world‑leading ammunition design and ADI manufacturing expertise directly into Europe’s defense ecosystem. Together we can rapidly scale production to meet security needs, said Krzysztof Krystowski Country Director at Northrop Grumman Polska.
The parties emphasize their interest in further developing the cooperation and leveraging the opportunities created by combining innovative technologies with the European industrial base (The Polish Grupa Niewiadów-PGM, together with WITU, will develop technology for the production of 155 mm ammunition).
Press release
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