During the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Poland on April 5, 2023, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that Poland would sell 150 Rosomak 8x8 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) vehicles to Ukraine.
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The basic version of the Polish army Rosomak 8x8 armored vehicle. (Picture source Wikimedia)
Previously Army Recognition editorial team reported that Poland will supply 100 Rosomak 8x8 armored vehicles to Ukraine. But xaccording to the latest information from the Polish President Andrzej Dud, the Polish defense industry will deliver 150 Rosomak armored vehicles in APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) variant.
The SIPRI Arms Trade Database reveals that since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Poland has supplied the Ukrainian armed forces with 24 Dozor-B, 18 pre-owned Krab 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers, 14 pre-owned Leopard 2A4 MBTs (Main Battle Tanks), 1,000 Piorun MANPADS portable air defense missile systems, 20 pre-owned PT-91 Twardy MBTs, 290 T-72M1 MBTs, and 150 Warmate loitering munitions.
On July 24, 2022, Army Recognition's editorial team reported that Poland signed a €650 million agreement with Ukraine, funded by the European Union, for the delivery of 60 KRAB 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers. This new contract showcases Poland's dedication to enhancing its military support for Ukraine while simultaneously boosting local production of military equipment.
The Rosomak, an 8x8 wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), has its origins in the Finnish Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) design. The name "Rosomak" is Polish for "Wolverine." In 2003, Poland acquired a license from Finland's Patria to produce the APC locally, with modifications to suit the requirements of the Polish Armed Forces.
The primary manufacturer of the Rosomak APC is Wojskowe Zakłady Mechaniczne (WZM), a Polish defense company. The production of the vehicle began in 2004, and the first units were delivered to the Polish military in 2007.
The Rosomak armored vehicle is highly modular and can be configured for various roles, including infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), command and control, ambulance, reconnaissance, and more. It is well-regarded for its mobility, protection, and firepower, as well as its ability to operate in both urban and off-road environments.
The Rosomak armored vehicle is highly modular and can be configured for various roles, including infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), command and control, ambulance, reconnaissance, and more. (Picture source Army Recognition)
The APC version of the Rosomak armored vehicle is designed to transport infantry troops and provide them with protection in combat zones. The vehicle has a typical configuration that includes a driver, a commander, and a gunner, along with the capacity to carry up to 8-10 fully-equipped infantry soldiers, depending on the specific model and layout.
The Rosomak APC offers a high level of protection for the crew and troops inside. The vehicle's armor is made of steel and can be fitted with additional modular armor, depending on mission requirements. The baseline armor provides protection against small arms fire, shell splinters, and mine blasts. The add-on armor can be upgraded to provide protection against larger caliber weapons and heavier anti-tank weapons, such as RPGs.
Moreover, the Rosomak APC is equipped with an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) protection system to safeguard the crew and passengers against contamination from such threats. The vehicle also features smoke grenade launchers to create a smoke screen for concealment.
In terms of armament, the APC version of the Rosomak typically comes with a remotely operated weapon station (ROWS) that can be fitted with a variety of weapons, such as a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
Defense News April 2023
