Could Poland's M120 Rak become the US Army's new 120mm self-propelled mortar?.

According to a report from Defense24 on May 20, 2024, the US Army is potentially interested in procuring the Polish M120 Rak, a 120mm self-propelled mortar system developed by Poland's Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW). The specifics of this potential procurement are not officially known, but it is believed to be connected to a program aimed at acquiring a new mortar system for US Army armored brigades.
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According to PGZ, "[...] 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.” (Picture source: Polish MoD)

In response to inquiries from Defence24.com, Beata Perkowska of PGZ’s Communications Department stated, “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 indicates an interest from the US in the Polish self-propelled mortar system, though specific details are not available at this time. It is speculated that the interest is related to the search for new support assets for mechanized and possibly motorized battalions.

The current mortar systems used by the US Army include a range of legacy and modernized systems. The M224 and M252 systems, along with their lightweight variants, M224A1 and M252A1, provide 60mm and 81mm firepower respectively. The M120A1, a 120mm towed mortar system, is widely utilized, supported by the M326 stowage kit. Additionally, the US Army's armored and mechanized units currently use the M1064 muzzle-loading mortars installed on the M113 platform, derived from the Israeli K6 system, while Stryker brigades use either the Soltam K6 120mm or the M252 81mm mortar, with the M1129 Mortar Carrier (MCV-B) or the M1252 MCVV as their base platform.

Looking ahead, the US Army is commissioning the new-generation Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) platform in armored brigades. This platform, based on the Bradley IFV design, replaces the M113 and offers enhanced combat capabilities. Along with this new carrier, a new mortar system with greater capability is also planned, the XM1287 Mortar Carrier Vehicle (MCV). To date, two systems have been tested for the XM1287: the Finnish Patria Nemo system, which is a semi-automated 120mm breech-loaded mortar, and the M121 120mm mortar, featuring the M95 Mortar Fire Control System.

The PGZ Group's release suggests that the US may be considering alternative solutions to the Nemo mortar. The Polish M120 Rak is still equipped with a 120mm mortar system, which features an automatic loader with a rate of fire between six to eight rounds per minute and a maximum firing range of up to 10 kilometers. Interestingly, Huta Stalowa Wola has developed an upgraded variant of the Rak system, increasing the rate of fire from 6-8 to 12-16 rounds per minute and enhancing the system's automation, thereby reducing the crew requirement from four to three soldiers. There is also potential for operation by a crew of two, with remote fire control commands provided by a command vehicle.

The Polish M120 Rak is equipped with a 120mm mortar system, which features an automatic loader with a rate of fire between six to eight rounds per minute and a maximum firing range of up to 10 kilometers. (Picture source: HSW)

The Rak's 120mm breech-loaded mortar is mounted in a turret that allows 360-degree traversal and elevation from -3° to 80°. Its secondary armament includes a 7.62mm UKM 2000 D machine gun. The system can transition from the march to the firing position within 30 seconds and leave the firing position in 15 seconds. Integrated with the Topaz fire control system, the Rak mortar can engage targets using direct fire and laser-guided precision munitions. This system, currently mounted on the wheeled Rosomak APC, has also been tested on other platforms such as the Polish LPG tracked platform and its developmental variants, as well as the German Marder, demonstrating its potential integration with the future US Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) platform, likely through manufacturing under license.

Furthermore, the Rak mortar is part of an integrated system within the Polish Army that includes command vehicles using the same platform, reconnaissance vehicles integrated with battlefield surveillance radars and Warmate loitering munitions, and various Jelcz-platform-based support vehicles.

To date, using the Rosomak 8×8 armored vehicle, the M120 Rak operates with a crew of three and includes a digital fire control system with a thermal camera, laser rangefinder, and GPS. This equipment supports accurate target engagement both day and night. The vehicle uses a Scania turbocharged diesel engine, allowing a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of 500 km. It is designed with hydro-pneumatic suspension to handle various terrains and obstacles. The system is currently used by the Polish Land Forces and has been supplied to Ukrainian forces to combat Russian soldiers.