Polish defense company Ponar Wadowice and Ukraine’s Kramatorsk Machine-Building Plant (NKMZ) have established a joint venture to manufacture the Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzer and its towed version in Poland. The initiative is intended to supply the artillery system to both the Polish military and international customers, particularly as Ukraine’s defense exports remain limited due to wartime requirements.
Poland currently operates the Soviet-era Dana 152mm self-propelled howitzer, while its planned replacement under the Kryl artillery modernization program remains on hold. The partnership could also attract interest from NATO members along the alliance’s eastern flank that are seeking modern 155mm artillery platforms compatible with NATO standards.
The Bohdana prototype entered operational service in May 2022 and played a key role in Ukraine’s campaign to drive Russian forces from Snake Island. Full-scale production began in January 2023, and by the end of that year, 30 units had been delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Since then, the wheeled artillery system has become a core element of Ukraine’s artillery arsenal. Continuous upgrades based on battlefield feedback have led to new variants being introduced roughly every six months. Across all versions, approximately 600 systems have been produced so far, with monthly output expected to reach around 40 units in 2025.
Developed by NKMZ, the Bohdana is operated by a five-person crew and fires NATO-standard 155mm ammunition, replacing the Soviet-era 152mm caliber used by older artillery platforms. The system can strike targets up to 42 kilometers away using standard shells and up to 50 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles, while maintaining a firing rate of about five rounds per minute.
Mounted on an eight-wheeled chassis weighing around 28 tons, the platform features an armored cabin and onboard storage capacity for approximately 20 rounds.
