PGZ WARAN 4x4 Tactical Multipurpose Vehicle Equipped with ZSMU-A5 Remote-Controlled Weapon System in Poland.

The WARAN 4x4 Tactical Multipurpose Vehicle, developed by PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa), is an advanced military platform currently showcased at the MSPO 2024 International Defence Industry Exhibition. This vehicle is designed for high mobility in challenging terrains, featuring a permanent 4x4 drive system and a sophisticated central tubular chassis. As a reminder, the design of the vehicle uses the Tatra 815-7 chassis.


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 PGZ  WARAN 4x4 Tactical Multipurpose Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The vehicle was developed in collaboration with a Czech partner, Tatra Export (part of Tatra Trucks, owned by Czechoslovak Group and Promet Group), under an agreement signed on September 8, 2020, during the 18th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO). This agreement provided for the design and delivery of an armored vehicle in a 4×4 configuration, along with the technical documentation of the cabin to allow for production in Poland. The starting point for the future Waran was the Czech Patriot II, based on the T815-7M3B21.372 chassis from the Force line, which had already been presented at the 17th MSPO in 2019.

However, as emphasized by Huta Stalowa Wola, the Waran was extensively redesigned and modified in Poland to meet the requirements of the Missile and Artillery Forces. The command vehicles as well as the weapon carriers were designed and built in Poland, taking into account the required communication and battlefield management systems.

The Waran is equipped with a six-cylinder air-cooled diesel engine, the Tatra T3C-928-90 with a power output of 300 kW (or alternatively, a Cummins ISL air-cooled engine with 270 kW), paired with a six-speed automatic Allison 4500SP transmission, offering a maximum speed of 110 km/h on paved roads and a range of up to 700 km. It provides ballistic protection ranging from level 2 to 4 and anti-mine protection from level 2a/2b to 3a/2b according to the STANAG 4569 standard.

The WARAN can accommodate a crew of eight (2+6), making it highly versatile for various military roles, including command and reconnaissance. Its modular structure allows for the integration of multiple specialized configurations and the addition of equipment such as observation systems or weapon stations, including the ZSMU.

The WARAN is equipped with advanced technology, including an air conditioning system with filtration, an automatic fire suppression system for the cabin and engine compartment, and parking heating. It also features an omnidirectional observation system, internal and external communication systems tailored to specific missions, and tires with RunFlat inserts.

As a reminder, in May 2022, the Ministry of National Defense of Poland ordered the Gladius reconnaissance and strike system mounted on the Waran. This system integrates FT-5 reconnaissance drones and the new Gladius 2 strike UAVs, capable of reaching distances of at least 100 kilometers, specifically designed for missile and artillery forces.

The first specialized variant of the Waran to enter service is an anti-tank guided missile launcher equipped with Brimstone missiles, scheduled to be deployed with the 14th Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment in Suwałki later this year.

Additionally, the Waran serves as a base platform for developing specialized vehicles for various military branches, including proposals for Special Forces under the PEGAZ program. It is also suitable as a close-range artillery reconnaissance vehicle and will be used for lower-tier units of the Narew air defense system.

As of February 10, 2024, the specific designations of the Waran variants are not fully known, but the exhibited versions include armored troop carriers, command vehicles, UAV carriers, and anti-tank rocket launchers. An anti-drone system equipped with a 12.7 mm WLKM has also been presented. The Waran can also be armed with a ZSMU A5 remote-controlled weapon module with a UKM 2000 7.62 mm machine gun, integrated into the ZZKO Topaz system with appropriate communication means, as well as into the Obra-3 passive defense system coupled with smoke grenade launchers.