Polish K9 Howitzers in Joint Training during Amber Defender '26

June 19, 2026

K9 self-propelled howitzers used by the Polish Armed Forces are taking part in exercises conducted under the common codename Amber Defender ’26 (Bursztynowy Obronca ’26), one of the key training undertakings of the Polish Armed Forces this year. The exercises involve various branches of the armed forces operating within a common scenario and make it possible to test the ability to conduct joint operations in a complex environment.

One of the important elements of Amber Defender ’26 is the Brave Boar ’26 (Dzielny Dzik ’26) episode, described by Polish defence media as the largest exercise of the 16th Mechanized Division this year. The activities are being conducted, among other locations, at the Orzysz Land Forces Training Area and across north-eastern Poland. Around 6,500 soldiers of the Amber Division are taking part, and the scenario includes cooperation with other components of the Armed Forces, including the Air Force, airmobile troops and the Territorial Defence Forces.

Artillery plays an important role in the exercises, including K9 self-propelled howitzers already in service with Polish units. Among the soldiers involved are artillerymen from the 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade named after General Józef Bem, who use the K9 system in daily training and in scenarios reflecting the requirements of the modern battlefield.

The training activities include live fire, rapid movement of forces and assets, cooperation with reconnaissance elements, the use of unmanned systems, responses to threats characteristic of contemporary conflicts, and coordination within the broader defence ecosystem. In such an environment, modern artillery remains one of the key elements of strike capability, fire support and deterrence.

The area in which the exercises are conducted is of particular importance. North-eastern Poland, including the Suwalki Gap, is one of the key areas from the perspective of NATO security, especially the Alliance’s eastern flank. Training in this region makes it possible to test the readiness of troops to operate in conditions requiring high mobility, effective command, efficient information exchange and interoperability with other components of the Armed Forces and the allied operational environment.

The participation of K9 self-propelled howitzers in Amber Defender ’26 demonstrates their importance for the modernization of Polish artillery and the development of the Polish Armed Forces’ fire capabilities. These systems are already being used by Polish artillerymen in practical training — not only in terms of operation and live fire, but also in operating under joint-operation conditions.

The Amber Defender ’26 exercises will continue until the end of June.

Source : Hanwha Aerospace Europe