Poland has taken significant steps to bolster its military capabilities by signing a contract for the procurement of “several dozen” domestically-produced Waran 4×4 armored personnel carriers. The deal, valued at 1.3-billion Polish złoty (approximately $317.9 million), is aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the military’s WR-40 Langusta self-propelled rocket launchers.
These newly acquired vehicles are intended for critical tasks such as the supply of ammunition and transportation of personnel, operating alongside the three configurations of the WR-40 Langusta system. As part of the package, Warsaw will also receive essential repair equipment, along with the ZZKO TOPAZ ground artillery automated fire control system. The contract includes associated software, advanced computer and communication solutions, logistics services, and a comprehensive training program. Deliveries of the Waran vehicles are expected to take place between 2027 and 2028.
The Polish Ministry of Defence, during the contract awarding ceremony, also announced the submission of a draft law aimed at establishing an ammunition manufacturing center within the country. This move reflects Poland’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and ensuring self-sufficiency in military logistics.
In addition to the Waran vehicles, the Polish government revealed plans to purchase more Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles. The funding for this procurement is expected to come from the fiscal year 2024 budget, underscoring an ongoing drive to modernize the armed forces.
Negotiations with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem are also ongoing, focusing on the potential domestic production of the K2 Black Panther main battle tanks. The discussions center around the localization of manufacturing and the overall costs involved in the initiative.
The Waran 4×4, developed by Huta Stalowa Wola, measures six meters (20 feet) in length and has a weight of approximately 13,000 kilograms (28,660 pounds). It features a mine-resistant ambush-protected design, adhering to NATO’s level 2 armor standards with a V-shaped underchassis for enhanced survivability. The vehicle is powered by an Allison 4500SP automatic transmission and equipped with either a Tatra or Cummins engine, enabling a top speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour and a range of approximately 650 kilometers (404 miles).
The Waran can also be outfitted with mission-specific equipment, such as an Obra-3 weapon radiation detector and a UKM-2000 machine gun, to meet a variety of operational requirements. This strategic move by Poland not only aims to improve its military readiness but also emphasizes a broader defense strategy focused on domestic production and modernization efforts.
