Polish MoD: Tank Destroyer Contract Imminent

During the summary-coordinative briefing between the MoD's and Armed Forces' leadership, the head of the Polish Ministry of Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak, announced that several agreements would be signed soon, tied to the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces. Procurements of Kormoran II MCMVs, ZSSW-30 turrets integrated on the Rosomak APCs, AW149 multi-role support helicopters (Perkoz programme), EO satellites (from a French partner), and tank destroyers were listed among the future purchases.

Poland Procures the AW149 in Its Perkoz Programme

When it comes to the Ottokar-Brzoza tank destroyer programme, it is aimed at commissioning a modern tank destroyer module utilizing ATGMs. The procurement is to result in the replacement of the BRDM-2/9P133 Malyutka systems. The programme has been in the making for a few years now. It was unclear as to which option the Polish Ministry of Defence would select.

“Considering the fact that the tank-destroyer order shall be placed with entities belonging to the PGZ Group, and the memorandum signed by and between PGZ SA and MBDA UK, it shall be expected that the solution proposed by the contractor would be based on the Brimstone ATGMs”, spokesman for the Armament Agency, Lt. Col. Krzysztof Płatek told us.

Brimstone is a UK-made ATGM system, with missiles traveling at supersonic speeds. It is capable of engaging multiple targets at once. The guidance is possible thanks to an active RF seeker, while the latest variants can also be laser-guided. The Brimstone missiles have been proven in combat - for instance in Libya, and recently - in Ukraine.

The missiles used in the Ottokar-Brzoza system are expected to be integrated within the WB Group's Topaz system, operated by most of the elements of the Rocket and Artillery component of the Polish Armed Forces. The tank destroyer elements would also be subordinated to that component. The combat module, apart from the effectors alone, would also include other elements, such as command vehicles, logistical support assets, and a reconnaissance component. The latter is also to include unmanned systems, as was announced during the Defence24 DAY conference. When it comes to the Carrier Platform, HSW's Wielozadaniowy Pojazd Taktyczny 4x4 (Multi-Role Tactical Vehicle 4x4) developed with a Czech partner is one of the proposals. Most probably, the aforesaid vehicle would be used as a base for the new system.