Representatives of the Leonardo group are in discussions with the military leadership of Poland regarding the potential integration of Volcano guided munitions on the Krab self-propelled howitzers and subsequent field tests of this artillery weapon system.
A prime example can be drawn from the experience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces artillery, which, in one incident, successfully hit a target at a distance of up to 70 kilometers using the same type of guided munitions with the Krab self-propelled howitzer. This information was reported by the Polish portal Defence24.
To elaborate, the authors of the publication note that representatives from PGZ Serwis Orel discussed the successful firing by our artillery at a distance of 70 kilometers using the Polish Krab howitzer during the Poznaj Gen Zbrojeniówki podcast, although they did not specify the time and location of this firing.
Furthermore, the authors of Defence24 draw a logical conclusion that the Ukrainian artillery could only achieve such a range with the use of the Vulcano GLR guided projectile. Thus, they suggest that the adaptation of this munition for Polish self-propelled howitzers has already occurred, paving the way for the Polish Army as well.
The topic of the potential integration of Vulcano munitions for Polish artillery is not new; initial discussions about this possibility took place five years ago, but at that time, they did not lead to any substantial development.
Interestingly, the integration of Vulcano GLR has already taken place with the K9 self-propelled howitzers, which are now also in service with the Polish Army, thereby creating additional opportunities.
From Defense Express, we find it necessary to emphasize that the firing range of 70 kilometers achieved by our artillery using the Krab is indeed a record. Moreover, it appears that in that incident, it was specifically about combat firing at Russian occupiers, whereas previously, the 70-kilometer range had only been demonstrated in experimental developments during field tests.
The information presented above suggests that the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as part of military assistance from Western partners, have indeed received a certain quantity of the guided Vulcano GLR munitions, as there were earlier confirmations regarding the receipt of unguided Vulcano BER munitions, which have a firing range of up to 36 kilometers when used with artillery systems featuring a 39-caliber barrel length, and a range of up to 50 kilometers when used with artillery systems having a 52-caliber barrel length.
Regarding the Vulcano GLR, it should be noted that this projectile utilizes a semi-active laser guidance system and a programmable fuse, achieving a firing range of 70 kilometers when used with artillery systems that have a 52-caliber barrel length.