On March 22, 2024, Mariusz Cielma reported the first known loss of a Polish-made M120 Rak 120mm self-propelled mortar while in service with the Ukrainian Army. Although the exact cause of the destruction remains uncertain (Russian mine, drone, artillery?), video images seem to indicate that it was caused by the detonation of ammunition stored in the vehicle's hull and turret.
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Although the exact cause of the destruction remains uncertain, video images seem to indicate that it was caused by the detonation of ammunition stored in the vehicle's hull and turret. (Picture source: Mariusz Cielma)
As previously reported, the Ukrainian armed forces integrated the first units of the Polish-made M120 Rak 120mm self-propelled mortars into the 44th Independent Mechanized Brigade's inventory as of December 10, 2023. This followed an agreement reached earlier in the year, as reported by the Army Recognition editorial team in April 2023, under which Ukraine would acquire 54 of these vehicles. The deal was formalized during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Warsaw, confirmed by Polish President Andrzej Duda on April 5, 2023.
During this visit, additional Polish military support was announced, including the supply of Rosomak armored personnel carriers, RAK 120mm self-propelled mortar carrier vehicles, and Piorun air defense systems. Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland's military assistance has included a variety of equipment such as artillery, armored vehicles, and drones. This aid consists of both Soviet-era equipment, compatible with Ukraine's existing military hardware, and modern Western-made armaments. Additionally, Poland serves as a logistical hub, facilitating the transport of international aid from NATO countries to Ukraine, thereby playing a significant role in supporting Ukraine's military efforts.
On January 14, 2024, Ukrainian soldiers from the 44th Independent Mechanized Brigade, at the time engaged near Kupyansk, provided feedback on their experiences with the first M120 Rak self-propelled mortars supplied by Poland. Soldiers noted the differences between the M120 Rak and their previously used artillery systems, such as the 2S1 Gvozdika, observing that the Rak offers greater mobility while maintaining a comparable firing range. The enhanced accuracy of the Rak is attributed to its integrated reconnaissance, command, and combat systems, which also contribute to reduced exposure times in hazardous areas.
The automation features of the M120 Rak have been recognized for enabling quicker setup and relocation times, crucial under the current combat conditions. According to the soldiers, the system requires only 30 seconds to establish a firing position and 15 seconds to prepare for a move. This efficiency is particularly valuable given the high use of Russian drones for observation and detection, which have proved their value in tracking down and destroying Western equipment supplied to Ukraine. Feedback from the brigade indicates that the Polish-made M120 Rak has thus made a real impact on their operational capabilities.
The Polish-made M120 Rak is a self-propelled mortar system developed in the early 2000s through a collaboration between Polish companies Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) and WB Electronics. The system was designed to offer artillery support to infantry and armored units with increased mobility. After completing various tests, the Rak mortar was put into serial production in 2016 and adopted by the Polish Armed Forces in 2017, serving as a replacement for the older 2S1 Gvozdika 120mm self-propelled howitzers.
The Rak mortar is mounted on the Rosomak 8x8 chassis, featuring a 120mm caliber mortar capable of firing at distances up to 10 kilometers. It supports various types of ammunition, including high-explosive, smoke, and illumination shells, as well as precision-guided projectiles. The system's fire control technology facilitates quick targeting and execution of fire missions with the aim towards achieving precise impacts.
Functionally, the Rak system includes a turret capable of rotating 360 degrees, with mortar elevation angles ranging from 45 to 80 degrees. The Rak is also equipped with a semi-automatic loading system and has an ammunition capacity of up to 40 rounds, which aids in maintaining a consistent rate of fire. Additionally, the system incorporates GPS and inertial navigation systems, contributing to swift target identification and accuracy in firing.
The Polish-made M120 Rak is a self-propelled mortar system developed in the early 2000s through a collaboration between Polish companies Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) and WB Electronics. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
