Americans Interested in the Polish Mortar System? [EXCLUSIVE]

In response to questions from Defence24.com, Beata Perkowska of PGZ’s Communications Department said: “The PGZ Group is active in promoting products from the Group’s portfolio, including Rak self-propelled mortars. The US expressed interest in the Polish 120mm automatic mortar system. At this stage, we would not like to disclose the details of the ongoing discussions.”

This means that the US side is interested in the Polish self-propelled mortar system, although details are not yet available. However, it can be guessed that this is related to the search for new support assets, that would be utilized in mechanized and possibly motorized battalions. The armoured and mechanized units of the US Army currently operate simple M1064 muzzle-loading mortars installed on the M113 platform and derived from the Israeli K6 system. Stryker brigades, meanwhile, operate a similar system, with the M1129 wheeled APC used as a base platform.

Currently, the Americans are commissioning a new-generation Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) platform in armoured brigades, based on the Bradley IFV design, replacing the M113, and offering much-enhanced combat capabilities. Along with this carrier, a new mortar system is planned to be commissioned, with much greater capability. Patria Nemo mortar has been tested in the US for quite some time now. Information on live fire tests involving the AMPV platform also emerged a few days ago.

The release we received from the PGZ Group may mean that the Americans are also considering alternative solutions here. The Polish Rak mortar has been developed jointly by HSW S.A. and the WB Group. Currently, the system has been integrated on the Rosomak APC. However, it was also being integrated on other base platforms like the Polish LPG light-tracked platform, and its developmental variants, as well as foreign-sourced platforms, like the German Marder.

The mortar has a maximum range of 10-12km, can also engage targets using direct fire, can use laser-guided precision munitions, and is integrated with the Topaz fire control system. A certain number of Rak mortars was transferred by Poland to Ukraine. The system has established a good reputation among the Ukrainian troops already. Huta Stalowa Wola has developed a new version of the Rak system, offering an increased rate of fire (from 6-8 to 12-16 rounds per minute) and an enhanced degree of automation, allowing the number of crewmembers to be reduced from four to three soldiers. There is also a possibility for the Rak mortar to be operated by a crew of two (commander and driver), with the fire control commands provided remotely, via control yielded by the command vehicle. The Rak self-propelled mortar received the „Orły Bezpieczeństwa” [Eagles of Security] distinction for product development, during this year’s edition of the Defence24 DAY conference.

The Rak mortar is an element of a comprehensive module that also includes command vehicles (utilizing the very same platform as the key asset), reconnaissance vehicles (integrated with battlefield surveillance radars and Warmate loitering munitions), and a plethora of Jelcz-platform-based support vehicles. If the Americans decide to procure this system, they would probably be manufacturing it based on a license. Importantly, the Rak turret module has been developed in Poland in its entirety. It can be integrated on a myriad of different base platforms. However, the fight for the US market requires a strong commitment and an important element could be, for example, the handover of a turret module for testing with a US carrier, as has already happened with the competing Finnish Nemo.