Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1532586
In 2021 SPKP Kraków received a Toyota Hilux 6x6 pickup truck with an assault ramp, with two independently lifted gangways (ramps of this type had previously been delivered to, among others, GROM Polish Special Forces Unit). In 2020, the unit received a TUR VI/LTO light armored vehi- cle, created specifically for the police's CT units, according to its requirements. The vehicle, con- trary to its name, is not light at all, as its total weight exceeds 12 tons. Thanks to it, officers can conduct high risk hostage rescue operations at airports, three-stories building, ram obstacles on the road or closed gates. The vehicle's filter- ing systems and sealing protect the crew in the event of an attack with chemical and biological agents and radioactive dust. The unit uses equip- ment that increases lethality and survivability of officers, and is almost indispensable these days. This has been demonstrated, among other things, by the conflict in Ukraine, where battlefield re- connaissance means are leading the way in war- fare - in the case of the SPKP, we are talking primarily about drones and Tactical Throwable Robots. In units such as this SPKP, the most important thing is, of course, the human, teamwork, resis- tance to stress, speed of decision-making, exe- cution of tasks and communication in the chain of command, because even the most expensive equipment cannot replace the officer, who must react flexibly to the situation on scene. In Kra- kow, the CT unit has about 60 operators, divided into combat sections. Under the new regulations, EOD section of SPKP Kraków operating within the SPKP in Krakow, covers both the Małopolska and Świętokrzyskie provinces in the districts of Busko, Jędrzejów, Kazimierski, Kielce, Pińczów and Włoszczów. Section has two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter EOD vehicles with IBIS and Gryf EOD robots as well as a pyrotechnic barrel for trans- porting unexploded explosives on a two-axle trail- er with an OLA gas-tight container. TOOLS OF TRADE The equipment and weapons used during opera- tions depend on the mission - the primary weap- on is the HK416 assault rifle, ballistic protection gear, FR coveralls, eye pro, comms and ear pro. In addition, the SPKP Kraków inventory consists of: ASSAULT RIFLES: • 5.56 NATO Heckler & Koch HK 416A5 with (mostly) EOTECH 552 HWS and Holosun LS421 MFALs – primary gun. • 7.62 M43 AKMS (often modded with commer- cial furniture) – mainly as a support weapon RIFLES: • 7.62 NATO Heckler & Koch HK417A3 • 7.62 NATO SAKO TRG21 • 7.62 NATO Voere X3 SMG: • 9 mm Heckler & Koch MP5A5 In 2000, Police SWAT-type teams were excluded from the structures of the police riot divisions and subordinated directly to regional command- ers as SPAP – the independent police count- er-terrorist units. The structures of CT units ultimately changed in 2019 when the counter- terrorism units were unified on most levels and renamed to SPKP. Since the beginning of its existence, the SPKP Kraków has been closely observing trends in tac- tics, equipment, weapons, as well as ensuring that all officers have the most modern equipment – the constant seeking of tactical and technolog- ical innovations is written into the unit's DNA. 13 www.fragoutmag.com TRAINING