Polish AHS Krab howitzers take part in NATO Dynamic Front 23 maneuvres

Dynamic Front 23 drills, involving NATO artillerymen, have begun on March 13 and will continue until April 5, 2023. This year, the maneuvres launches a training mission of synchronized command and fires planning, maneuvering through a complex landscape of assembly area operations, artillery acumen, and live firing drills. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are equipped with the capability to execute lethal fire support in wide-area ground combat across Europe.

TVN24 reporter Artur Molęda watched the practice involving artillerymen of the 5th Lubusz Artillery Regiment. Live-fire drills have been conducted at a special urban firing range in Oksboel, Denmark. "I'm willing to risk stating that we are the first artillery unit to conduct live-fire tasks in an urban landscape," said Lt Hubert Wyszkowski.

Explaining the course of the practice, Lieutenant Wyszkowski said that, after firing from one position, the howitzers were quickly moving to another location. "The standard time we have to remain in a position after firing the first shot is two minutes maximum," he said. He added that after releasing the first shot the howitzers are at risk of being located by the enemy.

"We need to keep on adjusting to new battlefield conditions. As artillerymen, we have to ready to carry out firing tasks in all kinds of terrain, not only in forests, but also in urban areas," the lieutenant said.

Asked about the capability of Krab howitzers, Wyszkowski said that "the firing range with the standard high-explosive incendiary ammunition is 32 kilometers, while projectiles with extra propulsion can increase the range up to 40 kilometers".

The officer also told TVN24 that "this equipment can be relied upon". "With a well-trained crew, they can offer the best they have, that is quick firing rate and comfort of use," he added.