MSPO 2015: News from Polish Defence Companies

MSPO 2015 is the official debut of the KRAB (CRAB) 155mm self-propelled howitzer with South Korean Techwin’s K9 chassis. It was officially confirmed that the first two new KRABs with this chassis and a gun system from AS-90 will be field tested this month.  They will be carried out by the leader of this project – Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) who previously decided to procure K9 chassis instead of a chassis provided by Bumar-Labedy (due to technical issues, including problems with the cooling system, micro-fractures in the hull armour plates and problems with the engine).

KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzer. (All photos by Robert Czulda)

Tests are planned to finish in 2016, but according to statement from MSPO 2015, HSW wishes to finish them earlier, if possible. Deliveries of a batch of 24 first vehicles (one divisional module) should be completed by the end of 2017. It is planned that HSW, in cooperation with Techwin will deliver all 120 howitzers by 2022.

A second interesting new offer presented in MSPO 2015 is the one made jointly with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), and Poland’s ROSOMAK S.A. They showed the AMPV multirole wheeled vehicle which they offer for the PEGAZ (PEGASUS) modernization programme. This programme aims to procure up to 500 vehicles in two versions (combat and control) for the Land Forces (300) and Special Forces (200).

The AMPV is offered to Poland via RMMV, KMW, and Rosomak SA.

A version presented during MSPO 2015 has a more optimised interior design in order to accommodate required communication systems, weapons and additional equipment which might be necessary during long-range operations by Polish special forces. The transport section has been enlarged by 30 cm, which was necessary in order to meet PEGAZ’s requirements. This vehicle might be equipped with ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System for Land Vehicles) of Rheinmetall, which provides 360 degree protection. As presented, the AMPV was equipped with FONET internal communication system made by Poland’s WB Electronics and the ZSMU-1276 remotely controlled weapon system made by Poland’s ZM Tarnów (with thermal camera, daylight video camera, laser rangefinder and either 7,62 mm or 12,7 mm gun). In a standard configuration, the AMPV provides ballistic protection at Level 3 and mine protection at Level 4a/3b (ultimately 4b) according to STANAG 4569. Its declared range is 700km, maximum speed 110km/h. It can be transported by CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters or by transport aircrafts.

The AMPV features ZM Tarnow's RCWS, and Rheinmetall's ROSY.

It cannot be ruled out that Poland could be interested in procuring the ONCILLA multi-role dual-axis armoured personal carrier (4x) which was presented again at MSPO 2015. This vehicle is produced jointly by Cypriot Lacenaire Ltd. and Polish MISTA (as an assembler). It provides armour protection at Level 2 with outer add-on passive armour plating at Level 3 (STANAG 4569).

ONCILLA APC.

Polish AMZ Kutno presented not only HIPOPOTAM (HIPPOPOTAMUS) heavy swimmable wheeled carrier and Jeep J8 light vehicle, but, for the first time the TUR-5 (AUROCHS-5). It weighs 9t and provides ballistic protection at Level 2 and mine protection at Level 3a (STANAG 4569). Its maximum speed is 110km/h and range 600km. TUR-5 can be equipped with machine guns (including a remotely-controlled station).

Jeep J8 light vehicle

TUR-5 (AUROCHS-5) by AMZ Kutno

At the same time another Polish company, Jelcz, presented three new versions of the Jelcz 442.32 high-mobility trucks (4x4). They can be equipped with cabins that can accommodate either two, four or six passengers. Jelcz 442.32 can transport 24 soldiers or cargo (including 10ft and 15ft containers). A total maximum weight in every configuration is 16 tonnes. Jelcz 442.32 is already in service in Poland and now is being offered to foreign customers.

Trucks by Jelcz

MESKO, which is now a part of the biggest Polish defense company, PGZ, presented the KUSZA (CROSSBOW) twin-round mobile air defence, which is able to engage several types of targets, including aircraft, helicopters and UAVs of different classes. The system is based on the indigenous GROM man-portable surface-to-air missiles which are mounted on a launcher with autonomous gripstock and battery coolant unit. MESKO said that the sight and communication systems are powered by either batteries of power supply generator which giver independence from external power source. In the presented configuration the KUSZA is mounted on the Polaris Ranger 6x6 vehicle but could be installed on any other vehicle of similar size. It can be integrated into various C2 and IFF systems.

MESKO, which is now a part of the biggest Polish defense company, PGZ, presented the KUSZA (CROSSBOW) twin-round mobile air defence weapon.

KUSZA can be mounted on vehicles the size of the Polaris Ranger 6x6.

Robert Czulda