Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
The presence of the "new" armored assets that the Polish Armed Forces would soon be operating has been the most important element of the land section of the MSPO exhibition. The above refers to the General Dynamics M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams MBT, along with the M88A2 Hercules ARV. Both vehicles are planned to be introduced into the inventory of the 18th Mechanized Division next year. Even though the US Administration has not made its decision yet, and intergovernmental LoA is still in the making, the Polish Army instructors have already begun training courses overseas. The South Korean industry still hopes to conquer Poland, despite the above. Hence the presence of Hyundai Rotem, with its K2 family MBTs, K2PL included. The latter is proposed within the Wilk program, as a solution addressing all requirements of the Polish military. The Koreans also hope to tighten cooperation with the domestic defense industry. According to statements that had been made before MSPO, the Kielce event became an arena for a public presentation of elements of the Wisła system. HSW S.A. showcased the first of the M903 launcher systems made in Poland, while Jelcz Sp. z o.o., along with its partners, demonstrated its ideas for support vehicles. Furthermore, Kielce was the place where a framework agreement concerning the Narew program was signed. Here, we have known the details for months. The PGZ Group is tasked with finding a foreign partner who would provide the necessary technologies, primarily the ones related to the missile. For that reason, proposals within that scope were presented by the main foreign suppliers: MBDA (Land Ceptor), Kongsberg (NASAMS), or Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (SkyCeptor/Stunner). Obviously, alongside the two main, large undertakings related to the armored component, and the anti- aircraft systems, the domestic and foreign industries also presented other offerings. These may include MRAP-class vehicles: JLTV by Oshkosh Defense, or solutions proposed by the WB Group, and HSW S.A. One of the factors that have a relevant meaning, in sparking the industrial interest in this area, is the cancellation of the Pegaz program, and the long-term requirements that the Polish Armed Forces express when it comes to vehicles as such. Jelcz, meanwhile, also showcased its tank transporter vehicle, as 14 examples were procured in 2019 - they would be used to carry a payload weighing up to 70 tonnes. Interestingly, the Armament Inspectorate of the Polish MoD procured further tank transporter sets (31 examples, with the optional acquisition of another 78 platforms as such) from a consortium of private businesses formed by Dobrowolski Sp. z o.o., Autobox Innovations Sp. z o.o., and Top Gun A. Goryca. The aforesaid contractor is to deliver transporter sets including Mercedes Benz Zetros 3348AS 6×6 tractor vehicles. It is still an open question whether procurement of micro-fleets and investment in the domestic design of new products is sensible (the latter referring to the Jelcz 882.62 platform). Land Systems GDLS M88A2 GDLS M88A2 Hercules Hercules GDLS M1A2 SEPv2 GDLS M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams Abrams www.fragoutmag.com