Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1064315
I n Poland, the entire idea boils down to two options. These are ei- ther to buy additional Spike ATGMs (already deploted) or to try to diversify the number of systems and order weapons from a different manufacturer. For many reasons, Spike's only real competitor is the US Javelin – promoted intensively for a year now as the solution for National Guard (Territorial Defense Forces), POLSOF, and aeromobile units. This leads to a number of questions then: what were the require- ments for Javelin's and Spike's development? What are their specs? Are both systems similar? Which of the systems performs better? Which will perform better in Poland-specific conditions? The currently existing anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems can be divided somewhat into three groups. The first and youngest of them is the heavy-class with a range of several – several dozen km, with targeting provided often from external sources. An example: the Israeli Pereh, succeeded by Spike NLOS, and the Russian Hermes. Americans are also working on such a solution, but based on Hellfire R. The sec- ond group is that of conventional missiles, having succeeded anti-tank guns. They usually operate based on semi-automatic, SACLOS-based The need to reinforce Polish anti-tank defense capabilities is unquestionable. Its present condition is very poor – both in terms of the quantity and the quality (with one exception) of the weapons of Polish Armed Forces. Although a comprehensive solution should involve a purchase of many different weapon systems– from mines through light grenade launchers to pure artillery and air solutions, the core idea is still to procure anti-tank guided missiles. STORY BY: JAROSŁAW WOLSKI PHOTOS: ŁUKASZ PACHOLSKI, MICHAŁ SITARSKI Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Ben Houtkooper www.fragoutmag.com