Polish Army receives new KTO Rosomak armored vehicles.

The Polish Army has recently enhanced its military capabilities with the receipt of 5 new KTO Rosomak armored vehicles. This development was reported on December 14, 2023. The KTO Rosomak vehicles are the result of an ongoing and close collaboration between Finnish manufacturer Patria and the Polish company Rosomak S.A., which has been producing these vehicles under license since 2005.
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The 5 new KTO Rosomak received by the Polish Army. (Picture source: Polish MoD)

In December 2022, the Polish company PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa) announced the delivery of 29 new KTO Rosomak vehicles in a medical evacuation variant. Valued at $100.8 million (approximately 450 million PLN), these vehicles add to an already substantial fleet. The Polish Ministry of National Defense had previously signed a contract in 2002 for the purchase of 690 Patria AMV vehicles, with a total of 997 ordered by 2013.

The KTO Rosomak vehicles are built on an 8x8 chassis powered by a Scania DI 12 diesel engine, capable of 480 or 543 horsepower. They can reach a top speed of 100 km/h and have a maximum range of 800 km. These vehicles are also fully amphibious, able to travel in water at up to 10 km/h using two hydrojets at the rear of the hull. The troop compartment can accommodate up to 10 soldiers. Moreover, the Rosomak XP, an upgraded and more capable version, was presented at MSPO 2019, offering increased interior space and payload capacity.

The KTO Rosomak is available in multiple variants, each tailored for specific missions. For instance, the M1 variant is modified for the war in Afghanistan and comes equipped with additional steel-composite armor, wire cutters, video cameras, and a Pilar system for detecting the direction of incoming fire. Other versions include the Rosomak-S with Spike-LR missile launchers, the Rosomak M3 for troop transport, and versions for medical evacuation, command, and technical reconnaissance.

Simultaneously, Poland is developing the NKTO, a new armored troop transport vehicle intended to complement and eventually replace the KTO Rosomak. This new heavy infantry combat vehicle (VCI) is designed to work alongside tanks, providing high levels of protection and firepower. It will be equipped with a 30 mm cannon, a 7.62 mm UKM-2000C machine gun, and Spike anti-tank missiles, all integrated into a remote-operated ZSSW-30 turret. The Polish Army plans to acquire 700 units of this new VCI, which will be heavier than the already ordered 1400 units of the Borsuk vehicle.

Regarding the five-wheeled troop transport vehicles received by the Polish Army on December 14, 2023, each is equipped with remotely operated ZSSW-30 turret systems and launchers. These turrets are fitted with Polish optoelectronic warheads. This new equipment is specifically designed to engage armored targets and enemy structures, including fortifications, and will play a crucial role in providing fire support to smaller units during combat operations.

Poland continues to receive modern equipment for its armed forces, although these deliveries were planned by the outgoing government, and it remains uncertain whether the new Polish government will continue the procurement policies established by its predecessor.