Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1220268
enough, HSW's determination and motivation of the Polish Army both made it possible to finalize the project and thus provide the Polish soldiers with top-class armament. How the whole program should be assessed, within a broader framework? The land forces are undergoing a transformation – fourth division is expected to be formed soon. Four divisions, three brigades each. Out of 12 brigades, four are to be equipped with the Rosomak APC platform. If we assume that each brigade includes three motorized battalions, then 12 battalions would be using the APCs. Each of those battalions shall also have a RAK fire module at its disposal. This shall result in procurement of at least 96 Rak self-propelled mortars, along with a complete support system. One should remember, however, that quantity of fire assets within the modules has been decreased by 30% (from 12 to 8). Thus, realisti- cally speaking, 12 modules need 144 mortar platforms. Noteworthy, the current quantity of 24 mortars per brigade (8 per battalion) is not sufficient. Only optimists can assume that enough air support could be provided by the air forces during the wartime. Most of the support effort would be delegated to the artillery component. Here, examples of the capabilities available in case of foreign brigades speak for themselves. Russian motorized brigades are supported by eighteen BM-21 Grad MLRS systems, thirty-six 152 mm sphs and twelve 120 mm self-propelled mortars. US motorized APC brigades can use support provided by fifty 120 mm self-propelled mortars and eighteen 155 mm sphs. Our APC brigades can use support of twenty-four 122 mm sphs (or 152 mm sphs) and twenty-four M120 RAK mortar platforms. Here it is clearly visible that it would be de- sirable to raise the quantity of Rak mortars up to the level of 36 examples per brigade, as originally assumed. One should hope then that the MoD would implement the plan by procuring the missing mortars and ordering new fire modules for the battalions that are to receive new equipment. Future introduction of the Borsuk IFV and planned changes in the mechanized and armored brigades and in the armored cavalry units also has a major potential, when it comes to future procurement. This, however, is a matter that is expected to be addressed between 2025 and 2035. How can one assess the weapons system itself? Above all, one should acknowledge the fact that the role of the mortar platforms, as support means for infantry, would be becoming increasingly more important, especially in conditions where CAS operations could be impossible. However, sudden changes on the battlefield resulting on the grounds of sensor and effector improvement resulted in a drastic shortening of the counter-battery fires reaction time. And these engagements often involve smart munitions or DPICM rounds. This actually renders the towed weapons unusable - they cannot really be employed in a manner that would be safe and effective. The growing tempo and intensity of operations impose a major load on the troops, thus solely fully automated, autonomous and net-centric systems will be able to effectively carry out the mis- sions. And systems of this type would be the only ones that could survive on the battlefield, especially when placed against an enemy who outnumbers own forces. We shall come to a conclusion that Photo: Patria VEHICLES