Polish Armoured Vehicles And Their Modernizations.

[Simon Tan]

Was there doubt?

[Hal]

Some. With the current US government rolling back most things that their predecessor did or even favored, there was always the risk that Poland would be denied some of their wants/needs. Add in the back and forth with the EU and some liberal "concern" about the state of democracy in Poland and I think the potential was there for roadblocks and delays at the very least.

However, this sale appears to have sailed under the radar...

[Damian]

https://www.defence24.pl/blaszczak-pieniadze-z-nowelizacji-budzetu-min-na-abramsy

First funds had been secured for procurement of M1A2SEPv3's.

[Damian]

Concept models of the "Sona" VSHORAD/SHORAD systems.

1. Combat vehicle on Rosomak chassis, armed with 1x 35mm autocannon with programmable ammunition, and 4x Piorun 2 missiles.

2. Combat vehicle on K9PL chassis with modernized Loara-A turret armed with 2x 35mm autocannons with programmable munitions and 4x Piorun 2 missiles.

3. Laser system based on Rosomak chassis.

[futon]

Any info on the laser on the Rosomak? How many watts?

[Damian]

1 minute ago, futon said:

Any info on the laser on the Rosomak? How many watts?

No info so far.

[Damian]

21st Podhale Rifles Brigade received their 120mm autoloaded self propelled M120K Rak-K mortars with support vehicles.

So far Polish Army received 82 M120K Rak-K, 40 AWD command vehicles, 8 AWRU maintnance vehicles and 24 AWA ammunition supply vehicles + 1 AWR artillery recon vehicle.

[Simon Tan]

Do they do Direct Fire? Not self observed indirect. 

[Damian]

9 hours ago, Simon Tan said:

Do they do Direct Fire? Not self observed indirect. 

Yes, Rak mortar system have ability for direct fire. This is why it have quiet advanced digital sight with laser range finder.

[sunday]

I wonder if with some more armor, it will be a useful vehicle for combat in built up areas.

[Simon Tan]

Na. Just stand off. If you must have an AVRE, build an AVRE.

[Damian]

Polish MoD just informed that first Polish soldiers went to US to be trained in use of M1 tanks. These are not the front line tank crews, but future instructors that will train further soldiers here in Poland.

[Damian]

First Polish Army soldiers in Idaho. They will train to become M1 tank instructors and in future to further train front line crews in Poland.

Edited October 28, 2021 by Damian

[Hal]

GDLS timing. Not as soon as hoped... Opinions?

 

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/10/27/heres-when-general-dynamics-thinks-a-sale-of-abrams-tanks-to-poland-will-move-forward/

[Simon Tan]

No problem, they will use prepositioned materiel for the upcoming Spring 2022 offensive. 

[Damian]

16 hours ago, Hal said:

GDLS timing. Not as soon as hoped... Opinions?

 

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/10/27/heres-when-general-dynamics-thinks-a-sale-of-abrams-tanks-to-poland-will-move-forward/

Nowhere there it is said that first tanks will come to Poland after two years. Context of what Novakovic said is that completion of contract will take two years.

 

And even if there will be delay, we can lease tanks for initial training from US Army, just like Iraq did.

[Damian]

Per news from Armed Forces General Command, first 28 M1 tanks, will be fielded in 2022.

Delegation from Armed Forces General Command visited also 1st Cavalry Division.

https://www.army.mil/article/252379/polish_army_visits_1st_cavalry_division

 

Edited December 2, 2021 by Damian

[Simon Tan]

Polish beret is good beret. 

[Damian]

Today GDLS delegation visited 1st Armored Brigade barracks. This is where majority of Polish Army M1A2SEPv3's will be fielded. New tank garages, service center and other infrastructure is finished.

[Simon Tan]

ARBAMS?

[KV7]

On 10/27/2021 at 4:20 AM, Damian said:

Yes, Rak mortar system have ability for direct fire. This is why it have quiet advanced digital sight with laser range finder.

Is there a HEAT round ?

[Damian]

11 hours ago, KV7 said:

Is there a HEAT round ?

Not yet. There is 120mm HE, Illumination and Smoke. But more types of ammunition is in development.

[Damian]

Polish MoD signed contract for 300 Cougar 4x4 MRAP's, first vehicles should be fielded 1Q 2022.

[Simon Tan]

Are you paying for them or are they military aid?

[Mighty_Zuk]

6 hours ago, Simon Tan said:

Are you paying for them or are they military aid?

One of the key aspects for the US in most military aid programs is to stop paying for maintenance of surplus equipment. So even if it was free, the US profits.

It could scrap them entirely, but now at least they are useful for something.