KNDS is laying the groundwork to integrate its lightweight 105mm artillery gun into Poland’s defense industry and connect it to the country’s TOPAZ fire-control network.
The German-French defense group signed a Letter of Intent with Polish defense technology company WB GROUP covering the potential supply, local integration, and support of the 105 LG for the Polish Armed Forces.
Under the planned partnership, KNDS and WB GROUP would develop a turnkey artillery solution using Polish technologies and designed to operate with the TOPAZ fire-control system. The companies said the goal is to provide a digital, network-enabled capability tailored to Polish military requirements.
No contract or purchase quantity was announced.
KNDS also said it is prepared to localize production of its ERG3 long-range ammunition for the 105 LG, which would further strengthen Poland’s domestic industrial base if the partnership moves forward.
The agreement builds on KNDS’ existing industrial relationship with Poland, which includes maintenance and modernization of Leopard 2 tanks.
105 LG
The 105 LG is a lightweight towed 105mm artillery gun designed for units that need artillery firepower without the weight and logistical demands of larger systems.
The gun weighs 1,650 kilograms (3,637 pounds), allowing it to be transported by air, including by medium helicopters. That makes it suited to airborne and air-mobile units that need to move artillery into areas where heavier guns are difficult to deploy.
Using KNDS’ ERG3 ammunition, the 105 LG has a stated range of up to 17 kilometers (10.56 miles). The company also claims a burst rate of six rounds in 15 seconds and a sustained rate of more than 16 rounds per minute.
KNDS said the system is already used by national guard forces, where its simple operation and maintenance requirements are intended to shorten training and help maintain readiness.
