Polish Army Unveils New Light Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle LOTR at MSPO 2024.

At the edition 2024 of MSPO, a defense industry exhibition in Poland, the Polish Army unveiled its new wheeled reconnaissance armored vehicle, the LOTR, marking a significant step in modernizing Poland’s military forces. This vehicle is part of a larger effort to replace the aging BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicles with more advanced platforms under the Kleszcz (Tick) program.
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New LOTR 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle for the Polish army displayed for the first time at MSPO 2024, defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

On August 14, 2024, the Polish Armaments Agency (AA), acting on behalf of the State Treasury, announced a contract with AMZ Kutno for the production of 28 LOTR 4x4 light armored reconnaissance vehicles. This agreement, valued at PLN 800 million (USD 206 million), includes a logistics and training package, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2028. The deal is part of a broader framework agreement signed in February 2024 that includes procuring 286 LOTR vehicles through 2035.

The LOTR is an amphibious, two-axle, off-road vehicle that handles challenging terrain and water obstacles. It features an all-wheel-drive system with a 4x4 configuration, offering excellent mobility in difficult environments. The vehicle can transport five reconnaissance soldiers and their equipment, making it ideal for patrol reconnaissance missions, providing on-board weapon fire support, and combating low-flying air targets.

Key technical specifications of the LOTR include a weight of 15,500 kg, a length of 7.62 m, a height of 3.13 m, and a width of 2.55 m. The vehicle’s wheelbase measures 3.45 m. It is powered by a 240 kW engine, capable of reaching a top speed of 90 km/h on paved roads and 40 km/h off-road. The vehicle has a maximum range of 600 km on paved roads and 300 km off-road.

The LOTR boasts impressive maneuverability, with an approach angle of up to 40° and a departure angle of up to 84°. It can tackle a maximum lateral tilt of 17°  and a wading depth of 1.5 m, making it suitable for diverse terrains. The vehicle is armed with a 12.7 mm wkm NSWT machine gun and a 7.62 mm km UKM-2000 machine gun, providing substantial firepower for reconnaissance and defensive operations.

With its advanced design and capabilities, the LOTR is expected to significantly enhance the Polish Army’s reconnaissance abilities, offering improved mobility, protection, and firepower for its units. The vehicle’s introduction is a critical element in Poland’s broader defense strategy, supporting the modernization and expansion of its armed forces in the years to come.