The state-run Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) in May set up a subsidiary company to carry out repairs of the several dozen Krab howitzers used by the Ukrainian army, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Sebastian Chwałek, CEO of PGZ, said: “Given the dynamic action on the front, we decided to establish a subsidiary company to service the equipment, including our Krab self-propelled gun howitzers, in the immediate vicinity of the frontline.”
At its factory in the southeastern city of Stalowa Wola, PGZ has also trained some 100 Ukrainian troops in the basic maintenance of the machines, according to officials.
PGZ’s subsidiary, PGZ Service Orel, carries out basic repairs of the Krab howitzers in field workshops near the frontlines; more serious battlefield damage is dealt with at Ukrainian factories, while comprehensive repairs are conducted in Poland, the PAP news agency reported.
This is to avoid carrying out time-consuming maintenance work near the battlefield, which could provoke a strike from the Russian forces, “putting people and equipment in danger,” Chwałek said.
He added that the Polish company’s service staff had extensive experience of working near combat zones, having participated in Polish military missions in the likes of Afghanistan, Romania and Latvia.
“PGZ staff are also providing Ukrainian troops with advice in real time, through secure connections,” Chwałek said.
He stressed that the Krab self-propelled gun howitzers are “among the best on the market” and their performance in Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion "has exceeded expectations," the PAP news agency reported.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Tuesday is day 531 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, hsw.pl