Frag Out! Magazine

vehicles in operations on demanding and complex environ- ments. There is also another element that should be taken into account when analyzing this option – logistic support. In case of FSV WILK, the chas- sis is the same as in Rosomak APC or IFV, which would make repairs and maintenance of compa- ny's or battalion's equipment easier. The other side of the coin is that that the 105 mm ammunition is not in use in the Polish Armed Forces, which would require starting procuring and storing it. After the analysis of various options of implemen- tation of FSV WILK, we have proposed the following: introduction of a fire support platoon, equipped with four FSVs WILK, per motorized infantry company, which would cause a significant increase in battalion's combat potential, especially the anti-tank and indirect fire support capabilities. The main shortcomings of this vehicle are its gross weight, preventing it from floating, and small capacity of ammunition storage (currently only in turret). In this case, according to both companies, there is possibility to adapt personnel compartment (used to transport infantry) to create auxiliary ammunition storage, and possibility to replenish main ammunition storage without the need of crew to leave the vehicle. It would also be very useful, if the producers develop capability of firing programmable and Airburst ammunition (according to CMI Defence, it is under development), which would farther enhanced flexibility in operations. Conclusions The stability operation proven Rosomak APC con- stitutes a modern and crew-friendly construction. By arming it with efficient 30 mm Mk44 cannon, Polish soldiers have achieved superiority in com- bat over any opponent they faced during the Af- ghan operation. Although lessons learned from this operation are very valuable, and implement- ed upgrades, based on these experiences, have enhanced overall performance of the vehicle, it is important to note that the modern battlefield demands far more from the combat vehicle that stability operation. It is particularly true in case of anti-armor capability. A current lack of ATGMs integrated with Roso- maks, prevent them from even consider engage- ment with enemy units equipped with tanks, and this situation cannot be simply ruled out. It is there- fore important to think over trends of development and structural changes of a primary combat mod- ule, which constitutes motorized infantry battal- ion (and mechanized battalion, after replacement of obsolete BMP-1s with modern tracked IFVs). The proposed above options of increasing motor- ized battalion strength, are focused on combat po- tential increase and autonomy during execution of tasks, even at the company level. Contemporary combat operations base mainly on highly mobile units – platoons and companies, realizing their tasks in great distance from support elements. Therefore it is paramount to provide their com- manders and leaders assets and weapons that allow them flexibility and autonomy in action.

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