On Monday, August 12, 2024, the press service of the 18th Mechanized Division announced on social media that the latest Żmija Long-Range Reconnaissance Vehicles (PDR) from the 9th Warmian Reconnaissance Regiment, named after Col. Zygmunt Szendzielarz, aka “Łupaszka,” have been deployed to the Polish-Belarusian border as part of Operation Safe Podlasie.
Photos: Senior Corporal Sławomir Kozioł, 18th Mechanized Division
On August 1 of this year, the Polish Armed Forces launched an operation on the border codenamed Safe Podlasie (“Bezpieczne Podlasie“). The objective is to support the Border Guard with the involvement of military personnel. The operation aims to unify the command process and increase the involvement of the Armed Forces in border protection. The 18th Mechanized Division, led by Major General Arkadiusz Szkutnik, has taken command of the operation, with a total of 17,000 soldiers deployed to the area of responsibility. This operation replaces Operation Gryf and the forward training presence RENGAW, which together formed the Military Task Group (WZZ) Podlasie.
On July 10 of this year, during a press conference, Chief of the General Staff, General Wiesław Kukuła, stated:
“As part of this operation, we will deploy up to 17,000 soldiers in two readiness categories. Approximately 8,000 soldiers will be stationed on-site, directly near the threat. The remaining soldiers will be kept on 48-hour standby, ready to be deployed in response to potential threats.”
As announced by the 18th Mechanized Division on their Facebook page:
“Active reconnaissance in the field is one of the key elements ensuring the success of all units supporting the Border Guard in protecting the state border during Operation Safe Podlasie. Soldiers of the 9th Warmian Reconnaissance Regiment are giving their all during the actions of the long-range reconnaissance company of Task Group Podlasie.”
The 9th Warmian Reconnaissance Regiment, based in Lidzbark Warmiński, has deployed one of the Polish Armed Forces’ latest acquisitions, the Żmija Long Range Reconnaissance Vehicles.
The Żmija Long Range Reconnaissance Vehicle (PDR Żmija) is a version of the Concept LPU (Lekki Pojazd Uderzeniowy, Light Strike Vehicle) Wirus IV, delivered by a consortium of the Polish Defense Holding and the company Concept, based on a contract signed on September 6, 2017, valued at 90,712,500 PLN gross (73,750,000 PLN net), which was approximately 24.5 million USD gross at that time, for the Polish Armed Forces.
The first batch of 25 vehicles was received on December 7, 2021, and another batch of 35 vehicles was delivered on July 21, 2023. The contractors are still obligated to deliver an additional 58 Żmija vehicles. So far, the vehicles have been delivered to the 2nd Hrubieszów Reconnaissance Regiment, the 9th Warmian Reconnaissance Regiment, and the Land Forces Training Center in Poznań.
The vehicle has a permanent 4×4 drive system, characterized by excellent traction properties, designed and manufactured to meet the requirements for carrying out special tasks for the Armed Forces. It is equipped with a 2,442 cc R4 diesel engine with a maximum power output of 133 kW (178 hp). The engine runs on diesel fuel, is equipped with a turbocharger and an intercooler. The vehicle has a 6-speed manual transmission and one reverse gear. The body of the vehicle, supported by a frame with an integrated safety cage, is made of lightweight composites. The cabin, designed according to defense standards specifying ergonomics and functionality, is intended for 3 people (including the driver).
The vehicle is equipped with weapon mounts, including a roof-mounted turret that can accommodate 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, as well as a 40 mm grenade launcher. It also has mounts for carrying 3 personal weapons for the crew and a mount for the commander’s 7.62 mm rifle. Additionally, the vehicle has blast-resistant flooring rated at level 1 according to STANAG 4569 Annex B and run-flat tires. Since the vehicle is intended for reconnaissance units, including airborne units, it can be airdropped using parachute.
Pojazdy #Żmija na służbie – zwinne, gotowe do szybkiego rozpoznania na 🇵🇱 granicy, by skutecznie reagować na każde zagrożenie. #BezpiecznePodlasie #zGranicy pic.twitter.com/haMROQ7EVP
— 18 Dywizja Zmechanizowana (@Zelazna_Dywizja) August 13, 2024
During the 30th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in 2022, the company Concept presented its vision for the development of light vehicles, specifically the Wirus SOF. According to the concept, the Wirus vehicles are intended to become carriers for systems developed by the WB Group, such as FONET and TOPAZ.
At MSPO 2023, the Wirus was showcased armed with a remotely controlled weapon module, the ZMU-07, developed specifically for this vehicle by Arex, a company that is part of the WB Group. Additionally, the ATAX drop platform, produced by the British company Irvin GQ, was presented for use with this vehicle.
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