The Polish Ministry of National Defence (Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej) revealed on 24 April that Poland is ordering a third batch of Rak 120 self-propelled mortars (SPMs). The estimated contract value is PLN680.4 million (USD162.3 million). Poland’s Armament Inspectorate announced on the EU’s Tender Electronic Daily on 27 April that negotiations with a consortium between Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) and Rosomak had begun on 3 April. The Rosomak-Rak 120mm self-propelled mortar system is currently being produced by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) to meet the requirements of the Polish Land Forces. The SPMs are expected to be delivered to the 18th Mechanised Division in 2020-26.
The Rak self-propelled mortar system is based on the on the chassis of Rosomak 8×8 armoured vehicle. The KoÅ‚owy Transporter Opancerzony “Rosomak” (Wolverine) is 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by Rosomak S.A. in Siemianowice ÅšlÄ…skie, a Polish Armaments Group company. The vehicle is a licensed variant of Patria’s Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV). The Rak 120mm can conduct indirect, semi-direct and direct fire against mechanised units, command posts, command-observation points and fortifications. The Polish company has the rights to produce and marketing the vehicle to both Polish MoD and foreign customers until 2023.
The contract for the production of 64 Rak mortar systems and 32 command post vehicles was signed between the MoND Armament Inspectorate and the consortium of Huta Stalowa Wola and Rosomak in April 2016. Each Polish artillery company comprises eight Rak 120mm mortar vehicles, four command-post vehicles for company and platoon commanders, two artillery reconnaissance vehicles, and three artillery ammunition supply vehicles. The Polish Land Forces are anticipated to take delivery of two artillery company modules a year until 2020. This company also has the rights to service and repair these vehicles until 2052.
