Tank Destroyer Dialogue Restarted. What Platform?

This is the second technical dialogue carried out within the framework of the Ottokar-Brzoza tank-destroyer programme. However, the Armament Inspectorate emphasizes the fact that the new procedure is aimed at updating the information gathered through the previous technical dialogue that had been initiated in February last year. This means that the new dialogue is simply a continuation of the acquisition.

According to the Armament Inspectorate and its official release, the procedure is aimed at acquiring a battery module (that could be divided into individual anti-armour platoons) that would be tasked with acting against the latest generation heavy armoured vehicles fitted with active self-protection system. This applies to assets protected both by the “soft-kill” (jamming and neutralizing the guidance systems of the ATGMs), as well as by the “hard-kill” (destroying the effector by shooting it down) protection systems.

The self-propelled tank destroyer is to have an ability to act against the aforesaid targets with the use of ATGMs. Furthermore, it is to utilize a modern tracked platform (or, optionally, wheeled one, with proper level of survivability on the modern battlefield).

Within the framework of the technical dialogue, weapons systems proposed by the potential bidders would undergo assessment. The scope of information required to assess the ability to meet the requirements defined by the Inspectorate would be shared with the parties interested after these express their willingness and qualify to participate in the dialogue.

The Armament Inspectorate is also willing to determine the conditions pertaining to the logistics, delivery certainty and training, and estimate the expected cost of the system offered, associated with acquisition, operational use and withdrawal. Furthermore, the MoD would like to carry out a preliminary assessment of the acquisition timeline.

Execution of the aforesaid technical dialogue is planned to happen between 16th March 2020 and 30th April 2020. The term may be extended, should the parties involved be unable to accomplish the objectives adopted within the time allocated to achieve mutual understanding. The potential bidders may apply to participate in the procedure until 27th December 2019.

The tank-destroyer programme, named after General Wincenty Ottokar Brzoza-Brzezina, the creator of the artillery units of the Polish Legions in World War I, aims at equipping the Polish military with a modern anti-tank solution that would replace the obsolete 9P133 Malyutka ATGMs. The latter system is used by the 14th Anti-Armour Regiment developed from the 14th Anti-Armour Artillery Squadron, on the basis of recent decisions made by the Polish Ministry of Defence. This is, most probably, the unit that is to receive the new tank destroyer platforms. 

Responding to the requirements defined by the MoD, the PGZ Group has prepared a variant-based concept of a tank destroyer using a tracked chassis that assumes use, depending on the decision made by the Ordering Party, selected anti-tank system and one of the possible platform choices. According to the information released during the recent conference involving the Polish Artillery units three types of ATGMs are being considered: Spike ER/ER2, Hellfire II and Brimstone 2; along with four carrier platforms (OPAL, modernized BMP-1, Krab howitzer chassis and UMPG platform by OBRUM Gliwice). The new announcement still includes the assumption that the vehicle should be using a tracked platform. Nonetheless, wheeled platform may also be an option, assuming that proper level of protection is provided. One cannot rule out a situation in which Rosomak APC or other wheeled platform is also considered as a viable option.