Russian FPV Drone Strike Destroys Polish Krab Howitzer, Defense Ministry Says

A Polish-made Krab self-propelled howitzer recently destroyed by Russian forces could have posed a threat not only to fortified military positions but also to civilian infrastructure. Military expert and reserve captain first rank Vasily Dandykin outlined the capabilities of the artillery system and explained how Russian troops locate and eliminate such weapons.

According to Dandykin, the NATO-standard Krab is equipped with a 155mm howitzer capable of engaging fortified positions and military equipment. He noted that Ukraine previously operated a considerable number of these artillery systems, but repeated losses inflicted by Russian forces have made them increasingly rare on the battlefield.

The analyst suggested that the destroyed howitzer may have been involved in artillery exchanges. He described the Krab’s main gun as a capable, conventional artillery weapon.

Dandykin also explained how Russian units identify the positions of Ukrainian self-propelled artillery. Aerial reconnaissance and ground-based observation play a central role in locating targets, particularly when artillery crews begin firing.

Because these systems must periodically open fire, their positions can often be detected during combat operations. Once a howitzer has been located, Russian forces can employ different weapons to destroy it, including precision-guided artillery shells.

In the latest case, however, Dandykin believes the Polish-made artillery system was most likely eliminated by a drone strike.

The expert characterized the destruction of such weapons as a routine part of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. He argued that eliminating Ukrainian artillery systems reduces the risk of shelling against Russian positions and civilian populations.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the destruction of a Polish 155mm Krab self-propelled howitzer in the Kharkov region.

According to the ministry, the strike was carried out by FPV drone operators from the 275th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment of the 4th Guards Tank Division, 1st Guards Tank Army, operating as part of Russia’s West group of forces.