Poland has signed a contract to acquire “several dozen” locally-produced Waran 4×4 armored personnel carriers to support the military’s WR-40 Langusta self-propelled rocket launchers.
Valued at 1.3 billion Polish złoty ($317.9 million), the fleet will be used for ammunition supply and personnel transport tasks accompanying operations of three configurations of the weapon system.
Warsaw will also receive repair equipment, the ZZKO TOPAZ ground artillery automated fire control system, logistics services, a training package, and associated software, computer, and communication solutions.
Deliveries of the vehicles will run from 2027 to 2028.
The Waran MRAP
Made by Polish mobility developer Huta Stalowa Wola, the Waran is a vehicle measuring six meters (20 feet) and weighing about 13,000 kilograms (28,660 pounds).
The system employs a mine-resistant ambush-protected capability using its level 2 NATO-standard armor and V-shaped underchassis.
It is equipped with an Allison 4500SP automatic transmission and either a Tatra or Cummins engine for a top speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour and a range of 650 kilometers (404 miles).
The Waran can be fitted with an Obra-3 weapon radiation detector and a UKM-2000 machine gun, depending on mission requirements.
Updates on Ammo Factory, Combat Vehicle, and Korean Tank Projects
During the awarding ceremony, the Polish Ministry of Defense verified that a draft law to establish an ammunition manufacturing center in the country had been submitted to the government for review.
The agency also announced the purchase of additional Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles for the armed forces, funding for which will come from the fiscal year 2024 budget.
Meanwhile, the ministry said it is still negotiating with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem to begin domestic production of the company’s K2 Black Panther main battle tanks, with discussions focusing on the initiative’s localization and costs.