On September 18, 2025, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Elaboracja Niewiadów Sp. z o.o., a company owned by Forum 119 Closed-End Investment Fund and the Niewiadów-PGM S.A. Group, signed an agreement to strengthen their cooperation in the field of artillery ammunition.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covers the development and production of 155 mm ammunition for Poland’s Krab and K9 self-propelled howitzers, as well as a wide range of ammunition intended for allied forces in Central and Eastern Europe and within NATO.
Scope of cooperation
- ADI (Austempered Ductile Iron) technology – potential supply and production of ADI housings by Northrop Grumman and technical support for the production of modern 155 mm ammunition intended for the Krab and K9 systems.
- A broad portfolio of ammunition – expanding cooperation to include 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 – the use of Northrop Grumman’s patented casting and heat treatment processes, which enable the production of lighter, less expensive, and more durable missile bodies using existing, widely available manufacturing resources.
- The European dimension – strengthening Poland’s position not only as a recipient but also as a regional hub for the production of artillery ammunition based on Northrop Grumman technology, which will also be used by allies in Europe.
Statements by company representatives
Frank DeMauro, Vice President and General Manager of Weapons Systems, Northrop Grumman:
“We expect this agreement to help Poland build a diversified and resilient ammunition supply base to meet the growing demand in Central and Eastern Europe. Our expertise in ammunition and modern production methods will allow us to utilize existing commercial facilities without placing an additional burden on the Polish defense industry. This partnership is part of broader efforts to increase ammunition production capacity in Poland.”
Mirosław Klepaczewski, President of the Management Board of Elaboracja Niewiadów, LLC:
“This agreement is of critical importance to Poland—it will enable the rapid expansion of 155 mm ammunition production for the Krab and K9 systems. At the same time, it extends our role far beyond domestic needs—positioning Poland as a key center for the production of advanced artillery ammunition within NATO. Together with Northrop Grumman, we aim not only to safeguard Poland’s defense but also to contribute to the stability and security of our allies in Europe.”
Grzegorz Niedzielski, President of the Management Board of Grupa Niewiadów-PGM S.A.:
“This agreement confirms that the Polish defense industry can play a key role in NATO’s security framework. Our partnership with Northrop Grumman will not only allow us to develop our technological and manufacturing capabilities but also to strengthen Poland’s industrial sovereignty. Our ambition is for the Niewiadów-PGM Group to become a permanent pillar of the European artillery ammunition supply chain, capable of meeting the needs of both the Polish Armed Forces and our allies.”
About the technology
Northrop Grumman is a pioneer in the use of bainitic-transformed ductile iron (ADI) for the manufacture of artillery projectile bodies. Thanks to this solution:
- it is possible to deploy new types of ammunition more quickly,
- Production can be increased through sand casting at facilities capable of producing up to 50,000 tons per year,
- The supply chain is becoming more resilient and diversified, encompassing facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
ADI technology reduces costs while maintaining the strength of forged steel, giving Poland and its allies greater flexibility and scalability in artillery production.
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