Following its efforts to collaborate with the Niewiadów group for the production of 155 mm howitzers, KNDS recently approached two entities within the Polish WB Group to "Polonize" its 105 LG cannon, signing a letter of intent (LoI). This is a long-term project in which the French industrial group aims to position itself at the right time, neither too early nor too late. WB Electronics will focus primarily on the software side, starting with the integration of the TOPAZ fire control system. KNDS France notes that WB Electronics is "the local Thales, and therefore unavoidable," especially as the digitization of fire support is becoming central. AREX, a dual actor, will be mobilized for the mechanical side and particularly for the maintenance of parts that may be delivered. The issue of localization is not yet fully resolved, but the integration of the cannon in Poland is not excluded. This mechanism is adopted for most contracts, as in the case of Malaysia. It could also extend to ammunition, KNDS having stated its readiness to produce long-range ERG3 shells on Polish territory. The strategic partnership signed last June, although focused on the 155 mm LU211P shell, was originally designed to expand to other ammunition, including the 105 mm artillery shell and the latest developments in the 120 mm range for combat tanks. One parameter is certain at this stage: "the potential is important." Light and therefore suitable for supporting light units, the 105 LG is "well viewed and well considered for airborne brigades." Their need is not new, and KNDS is not new to this either. As early as 2019, its cannon was in Poland to conduct a firing demonstration for the armed forces. The idea was to be able to provide them with a cannon that could be helicopter transported. The 105 mm appeared as an interesting alternative as a complement to the 120 mm mortars. The subject has nevertheless moved to the background, because the targeted brigades will have taken time to obtain the helicopters needed to transport these future artillery pieces. Since then, the Polish Defense has also strengthened itself, for nearly a decade, with a territorial defense force. In addition to the twenty brigades that would be gathered in this national guard, the ongoing transformation of the land force could in turn lead to the emergence of units interested in the 105 LG. It is difficult, however, to quantify this potential, and even more so to determine what share will actually be contracted and over what period. "It will depend on the funding," notes the French industrialist. Europe could generate a new acceleration. After the SAFE program and its 4.37 billion euros loaned to Warsaw, a second edition could emerge soon and benefit programs that had been set aside for a time. "We have said that the time has come," estimates the company. Long considered non-priority, this project has moved up the list after the wave of acquisitions facilitated by the SAFE mechanism. The war in Ukraine and its lessons also contribute to reviving a niche segment. "Everything comes to those who wait," notes the company. Despite the war in Ukraine, despite the resulting acceleration, despite the European financial incentives, the deadlines are still counted in years to "successfully carry out a deal." Positioning in Poland requires some anticipation. This is why KNDS is already moving its pieces on "a market where there are rarely good surprises." "You have to start early," and the effort to push the 105 LG "is no exception." For KNDS and its partners, it was therefore a matter of being ready to move to the next step. It is not, however, just a matter of instinct. Formalizing these partnerships, bringing in local actors would also be likely to advance the project and capture more attention from political decision-makers, hopes the French division. Coming out of the shadows is never easy. Attracted by the movement, others may seek to position themselves in a segment where the competition is not extensible but exists. The Turkish industry, for example, can play the "low cost" card. The British BAE Systems can, on the other hand, present a L119 "combat proven" system apparently appreciated by Ukrainian artillerymen. It remains to see what their actual production capacity will be outside that oriented towards Ukraine. Another potential candidate, the Hawkeye system mounted on a Humvee, "has not yet fully convinced, not on the concept but on the performance." KNDS will certainly not be alone in the race, but "we think the game is worth the candle." Behind the official announcements, the other challenge will then be to move quickly and, as much as possible, discreetly. All while betting on a SAFE 2 device that, if realized, would bring a European purchase obligation favorable to the French solution. The signing of a LoI was only the first step of a long process. The next step will be to clarify and finalize several points before possibly moving towards more binding documents. Another advantage of Poland, apart from the huge commercial market it represents, is that it hosts one of the few annual defense fairs. KNDS and its partners therefore give themselves one year to formalize this starting point and demonstrate, by the time of MSPO 2027, a "certain number of achievements."