The American company Northrop Grumman is considering the possibility of producing 120-mm tank ammunition in Poland, which is increasing its production capacity in the defense industry.
This was stated in an interview with Reuters by Katie Worden, CEO of the military manufacturer.
She noted that although the negotiations have already advanced, the company still needs to find the right industrial partners and the right contractual structures, adding that all this work is underway.
"We're looking at the possibility of joint production of 120mm ammunition," she said.
Przemyslaw Kowalczuk, deputy director general of the Polish ammunition manufacturer Mesko, told the agency that negotiations on the agreement are in their final stages.
"We are currently preparing for technology transfer and production of a wide range of 120-mm ammunition together with Northrop Grumman," he admitted.
According to Kovalchuk, the agreement will increase Mesko's production of 120mm ammunition to at least 50,000-70,000 rounds per year from the current several thousand.
He expressed expectations that the comprehensive deal, which falls under Poland's purchase of Abrams tanks, would also include the production of 30mm and 40mm rounds for Bushmaster guns mounted on armored personnel carriers, and that it should be signed in late December this year or early January 2024.
Author - Olena Madiak, 17/11/2023