Northrop Grumman Corporation and Elaboracja Niewiadow Sp. z o.o. (Grupa Niewiadów) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their intention to explore areas of collaboration regarding 155mm ammunition for Poland.

The MOU focuses on:

• Northrop Grumman's potential delivery of 155mm Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) shells and assistance to Elaboracja Niewiadow for the development of 155mm artillery rounds that meet Polish military requirements.
• Utilizing an innovative heat treatment process used in commercial manufacturing, but novel to the defense industry, Northrop Grumman manufactures shells made of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI), which is lighter, less costly, and retains the strength of forged steel, providing greater manufacturing flexibility.
• The potential for Grupa Niewiadów to update existing facilities that could produce the final 155mm rounds with ADI shells.

Experts:

Frank DeMauro, sector vice president and general manager, weapon systems, Northrop Grumman: "We expect this MOU will help Poland establish a diverse supply base to meet the growing demand for artillery in Central and Eastern Europe. Our expertise with munitions and advanced manufacturing methods will allow the use of existing commercial facilities to increase supplies without adding strain to Poland's defense industrial base. This would complement other efforts to increase munitions manufacturing in Poland."

Mirosław Klepaczewski, president of management board, Elaboracja Niewiadów Sp. z .o.o: "For Poland, this MOU is crucial in rapidly developing 155mm ammunition for the Krab and K9 systems. At the same time, it expands our role far beyond national needs — positioning Poland as a key hub for advanced artillery ammunition within NATO. Together with Northrop Grumman, we aim not only to secure Poland's defence but also to contribute to the stability and security of our allies in Europe."

Grzegorz Niedzielski, president of management board, Grupa Niewiadów–PGM: "This collaboration confirms that the Polish defence industry can play a key role in NATO's security system. Our cooperation with Northrop Grumman will not only enable us to expand our technological and production capabilities, but also to strengthen Poland's industrial sovereignty. Our ambition is for Grupa Niewiadów–PGM to become a lasting pillar of the European artillery ammunition supply chain – capable of meeting the needs of both the Polish Armed Forces and our allies."

Details:

Northrop Grumman has pioneered development of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) for projectile bodies, enabling the use of commercial manufacturing technology for faster fielding of new versions of rounds, increased production and a more robust supply chain. ADI 155mm projectiles are now being manufactured using a sand-casting process at a foundry and heat treatment facility that can produce 50,000 metric tons per year. This cast manufacturing method for artillery could expand the defense industrial base to existing factories in the United States and throughout Europe.

Elaboracja Niewiadów Sp. z o.o. is a specialized company jointly owned by Forum 119 Closed-End Investment Fund and Grupa Niewiadów – PGM S.A. (WSE: GNS), established to develop medium- and large-caliber ammunition, including 155 mm rounds. Utilizing advanced filling technology, the company ensures precision and consistency in explosive loading processes.

Grupa Niewiadów – PGM S.A. is a defense consortium listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, focused on the development and production of advanced military technologies. The Group's portfolio includes small-, medium-caliber, and 155 mm ammunition, critical for the Krab and K9 artillery systems. Through its specialized subsidiaries, including ZSP Niewiadów, Grupa Niewiadów handles all stages of production, integration, final assembly, testing, certification, and sales.