Polish defense companies PK MIL and SZCZĘŚNIAK Pojazdy Specjalne have formed a strategic partnership aimed at preparing for the launch of production of the Ukrainian 155 mm wheeled self-propelled artillery system Bohdana. A corresponding memorandum of understanding was signed on September 11, 2026, at the XXXIV International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO held in Kielce, Poland. The document records the intentions of the parties to jointly bring to market a certified artillery system compatible with NATO standards.
Distribution of Roles in the Project
According to the preliminary division of responsibilities, PK MIL will assume responsibility for the artillery part of the project — the development and integration of the weapon system. SZCZĘŚNIAK Pojazdy Specjalne, in turn, will provide expert support in the field of specialized automotive equipment creation: its specialists will handle the installation of artillery systems on wheeled chassis and the adaptation of transport platforms to the requirements of military customers. This approach makes it possible to combine Ukraine's combat experience in operating the Bohdana with Poland's competencies in automotive manufacturing.
Long-Term Support Model
Marek Ważęcha, Chairman of the Board of PK MIL, emphasized that the partnership is viewed as a long-term project going beyond mere equipment production. "We initially view our partnership as a long-term project that provides not only for the production of equipment, but also for the introduction of solutions for its maintenance, repair, and subsequent operational support directly at the place of use," he stated. Thus, the Polish side is laying down the infrastructure for the full weapon life cycle, which is a key argument for potential foreign customers.
Context of Serial Production and Modifications
Moving production to Poland fits into the broader process of scaling up Bohdana output. According to available data, Ukrainian manufacturers have already increased the volume of serial production of self-propelled systems to 40 vehicles per month, turning a one-off development into a conveyor product. To expand the fleet and adapt to various tasks, several modifications of the Bohdana have been developed, mounted on various types of wheeled chassis — from KrAZ and MAZ to Tatra. The new Polish enterprise plans to specialize in the manufacture of 155 mm Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, as well as Bohdana-BG towed artillery systems.
Entering the International Market
In addition to increasing its own production capacities, placing the assembly line in Poland gives Ukrainian artillery equipment access to the international market. In particular, potential supplies of howitzers to Polish customers and other European countries are being discussed, for whom compatibility with NATO standards and production proximity are decisive factors. In this sense, the Polish plant becomes not just an assembly node, but a bridge through which Ukrainian artillery development can anchor itself in the arsenals of European armies.
