Burying howitzers: Poland builds fortifications inspired by Ukraine’s war tactics

According to Defense Express, Polish artillery forces are now constructing fortified positions inspired by battlefield lessons from Ukraine — including the practice of “burying” self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) such as the Krab and K9.

Photos recently published by Poland’s 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade on Facebook show newly prepared dugouts for 155mm self-propelled artillery systems, including covered firing positions and designated exit routes for rapid redeployment.

These fortifications are part of Poland’s broader defensive project known as the “Eastern Shield” — a 700-kilometer line of barriers and bunkers aimed at reinforcing the country’s eastern border against potential threats from Russia and Belarus. Images show that the artillery positions are protected by vertical posts, which appear designed to support camouflage or anti-drone netting. Trenches and infantry positions are also being built with drone defense in mind.

Traditionally, self-propelled artillery was designed for mobility — to “shoot and scoot” before being targeted by counter-battery fire. However, the war in Ukraine has shifted this paradigm. Experience there has shown that artillery units, even mobile ones, are highly vulnerable to kamikaze drones and FPV (first-person view) drones, whose fiber-optic guidance systems often outrange conventional artillery.

As a result, static but concealed and drone-resistant firing positions have grown in popularity — designed to protect SPHs from surveillance and precision strikes. Covered gun emplacements with camouflage netting have become a new standard in modern artillery doctrine.

Still, Defense Express notes that Polish efforts may have room for refinement. The current training positions, as seen in the published images, appear exposed — set in open clearings with minimal natural cover. However, officials clarify that these are early-stage exercises and prototypes. Improved and more fully integrated fortifications are expected as the “Eastern Shield” progresses.