During the 33rd International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) at Targi Kielce, Rosomak S.A. of Siemianowice Śląskie, part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented an extended variant of the Light Reconnaissance Vehicle, the Legwan-L (a Polish-adapted KIA KLTV). The vehicle is equipped with a 40 mm Mk19 Mod 3 SAHIN automatic grenade launcher manufactured by Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów (ZMT).
Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
This is another Legwan Light Reconnaissance Vehicle shown in Kielce, following the standard-length variant displayed outside Hall 1, which was equipped with the C-UAS HAWK counter-drone system from the Polish company Hertz Systems.
The Legwan-L (Long) version debuted at last year’s MSPO and, as reported at the time, is a vehicle with increased payload capacity, extended by 0.7 m compared with the standard model. Thanks to this, it can serve as a base platform for specialist variants, such as communications, command, or counter-drone vehicles.
This time, the Legwan-L was fitted with a 40 mm Mk19 Mod 3 SAHIN automatic grenade launcher from ZM Tarnów, mounted on a remote weapon station (RWS). Using programmable Airburst (ATOM 40 ABM) ammunition, the system can effectively counter mini- and micro-UAVs via airburst detonation, expanding the vehicle’s capabilities in convoy and critical-infrastructure protection.
Equipped with advanced day and thermal sensors, a laser rangefinder, and an automatic target-tracking system, it enables precise fire at distances of up to about 700 meters. The system is controlled from inside the vehicle, enhancing crew safety and operational effectiveness in all conditions.
The Legwan Light Reconnaissance Vehicles (LPR) entered service with the Polish Armed Forces on December 23, 2024, first with the 20th Bartoszyce Mechanized Brigade. Around 17 Legwan vehicles were delivered to Poland from the Republic of Korea in two batches: on April 16 (likely 3 units) and on August 2, 2024 (14 units). Their first stop was Rosomak S.A. for Polish-specific adaptation, after which they underwent acceptance testing at the Wisła Test and Evaluation Center of the Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology (WITPiS) in Sulejówek.
On August 14, 2023, a contract was signed between the Armament Agency and the PGZ–Rosomak consortium for the delivery of nearly 400 Legwan 4×4 Light Reconnaissance Vehicles, scheduled for handover between 2024 and 2030. The contract is valued at approximately 1.2 billion PLN gross.
The delivered vehicles are armored variants that, according to the manufacturer, provide crew and passenger protection at Level 2 (7.62×39 mm API) or Level 3 (7.62×51 mm AP) under STANAG 4569. They are also equipped with a rotary weapon mount allowing installation of a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.
The baseline Legwan LPR is powered by a 225 hp Hyundai D6EB diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, and features fully independent suspension on all axles. Its modern design is further emphasized by an eight-speed automatic gearbox, a central tire inflation system, and run-flat capabilities that allow the vehicle to keep moving after tire puncture. With a gross vehicle weight of approx. 5.7 metric tons, it fills the gap between light vehicles up to 3.5 metric tons GVW and heavier designs based on the Waran 4×4 platform.
It is also worth noting that on August 27 and 22 of this year, Rosomak S.A. signed two agreements: amendments to the 2023 contracts with KIA Corporation under the Legwan LPR program, and a contract for the delivery and integration of over 380 L3Harris Technologies communication equipment kits.
