According to information published on the Twitter account "Visegrád 24" on April 5, 2023, Ukraine will buy 54 Polish-made RAK 8x8 120mm self-propelled mortar carrier armored vehicles. It was announced by the Polish President Andrzej Duda, during a visit of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Warsaw on April 5, 2023.
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Polish army RAK 120mm 8x8 self-propelled mortar carrier. (Picture source Army Recognition)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Poland for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki regarding the ongoing conflict, global backing, and collaboration for Ukraine. Expressing gratitude, Zelenskyy acknowledged Poland's significant contributions to the Kyiv administration.
On April 5, 2023, during his trip to Warsaw, President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Poland would be extending further military aid to Ukraine. He announced the signing of an agreement that includes the provision of Polish Rosomak armored personnel carriers, RAK 120mm self-propelled mortar carrier vehicles, and air defense systems, specifically highlighting the efficacy of the Piorun system.
The Rak mortar is a self-propelled, tracked mortar system developed and produced by the Polish defense industry. It is designed for rapid response and high mobility on the battlefield, providing artillery support for infantry and armored units.
The development of the Rak self-propelled mortar system began in the early 2000s, as a collaboration between Polish defense companies Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) and WB Electronics. The primary aim was to enhance the artillery capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces by creating a modern, mobile, and versatile mortar system.
Following a series of tests and trials, the Rak mortar entered serial production in 2016. It was officially adopted by the Polish Armed Forces in 2017, gradually replacing the older 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers in service. The Rak mortar has since become an integral part of Poland's artillery units, enhancing their firepower and mobility on the battlefield.
The Rak mortar is based on the Rosomak 8x8 wheeled armored chassis and is armed with a 120mm caliber barrel, capable of firing various types of ammunition at a range of up to 10 kilometers. Its advanced fire control system allows for quick target acquisition and accurate firing, making it a valuable asset in modern warfare scenarios.
The Polish Rak self-propelled mortar system features a turret-mounted 120mm mortar, which is the primary weapon of the vehicle. The turret allows for 360-degree rotation, enabling the mortar to engage targets in any direction. The mortar itself can be elevated from 45 to 80 degrees, providing flexibility in targeting both close and distant objectives.
The Rak's 120mm mortar has an effective firing range of up to 10 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition used. It can fire a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive (HE), smoke, and illumination rounds, as well as precision-guided munitions for increased accuracy.
The mortar system is equipped with a semi-automatic loading mechanism, which significantly reduces the time between shots and allows for a rapid rate of fire. It has a capacity of up to 40 rounds onboard, ensuring sustained fire support during combat operations.
The Rak's advanced fire control system, combined with GPS and inertial navigation systems, enables quick target acquisition and highly accurate firing, making it a powerful and effective artillery asset on the battlefield.
