On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Dutch company Defenture B.V. announced the signing of a multi-year contract with the Polish GROM Military Unit for the delivery of a batch of patrol vehicles based on the GRF (Ground Force) 5.12 platform. The offer won the tender for the supply of two specialized vehicles, with an option for two additional units.
GRF (GRound Force) 5.12 / Photos and image: Defenture
Johan Claassens, CPO (Chief Product Officer) Defenture said:
“The cooperation with the Polish Defence Force marks an important step in our mission to provide military mobility that meets the highest requirements, now and in the future. We are proud that the Polish Defence Force puts their trust in us and that they choose our vehicles. We look forward to realising our shared vision.”
The press release provides no specific details, but it is known that on April 2 of this year, the GROM Military Unit initiated a tender for the delivery of specialized vehicles, which was awarded on July 23 to Defenture B.V. The winning bid received 100 points (including 60 points for price, 10 points for engine power, 10 points for maximum torque, and 20 points for maneuverability – turning radius).
The GROM Military Unit was seeking a 5-person vehicle with a maximum permissible weight not exceeding 5 tons, high off-road capability, and a homologation certificate permitting use on Polish roads. The vehicle should be equipped with a combustion engine with a displacement of at least 3,000 cc, a minimum power of 215 HP, and a maximum torque of no less than 500 Nm, paired with an automatic transmission. The vehicle must have a turning radius of no more than 9 meters.
The vehicle’s design must allow for the installation of ballistic packages providing a minimum Level 1 protection according to STANAG 4569. The engine design must enable operation under emergency conditions (e.g., due to gunfire or mechanical damage causing fluid leaks) until it is fully immobilized due to wear. The vehicle must have the capability to start and continue operating in the absence of required operating fluids or system leaks, until it reaches the point of complete immobilization.
Given the specifications of the contracting authority, it seems that Defenture B.V. offered the GRF 5.12 platform. This patrol vehicle, unveiled in 2020, was recently ordered by Austrian special forces Jagdkommando and previously by Germany’s KSK (Kommando Spezialkräfte), the Dutch KCT (Korps Commandotroepen), and Switzerland’s SKS (Schweizer Kommando Spezialkräfte). With four-wheel drive, it provides high mobility and off-road capability, making it optimal for demanding end users. The platform is based on the DMDP (Defenture Modular Design Principle) architecture, allowing flexible configuration of the vehicle with a maximum permissible weight ranging from 3 to 10 tons.
GRF 5.12 Specifications:
- Length: 5100 mm
- Width: 1800 mm
- Height: 2205 mm
- Height (for air transport, ringmount folded): 1870 mm
- Angle of approach (unloaded): 46,5°
- Angle of departure (unloaded): 43,5°
- Ground Clearance (unloaded): 340 mm
- Payload: 1440 kg
- Max Total Vehicle weight: 4600 kg
- Engine Type: Multi fuel Diesel 3.2 L – 6 cylinders
- Max power: 160 kW (217 KM)
- Max torque: 500 Nm
- Fuel Types: F34, F35, F44, F54, F63
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 115 L
- Operational Fuel Range: 800 km
- Drive line: 4×4
- Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
- Transfer Case: Hi/Low gear + lock
- Differentials Front/Rear: open with lock
- Tires: 275/70 R18
- Rims: 18 inch