Polish Army To Finally Replace BRDM-2 Scout Cars
Another Cold War piece of equipment is soon to be withdrawn from the Polish Armed Forces. The Polish Ministry of Defense awarded a contract for the delivery of new, light, armored reconnaissance vehicles manufactured by AMZ-Kutno under the “Tick” program. Under the project, the ex-Soviet BRDM-2 vehicles will be slowly replaced by a new LOTR (light armored recon carrier) Bóbr-3.
The contract for the “Tick” was awarded to AMZ-Kutno at the end of February 2024. The Ministry of Defense ordered an estimated 300 vehicles with deliveries to conclude in 2035. A new recon vehicle is only a part of a wider initiative to enhance the reconnaissance abilities of tactical units in the fields along with the ISTAR “Owl” program, “Spider” data collection system, and a “Tarantula” UAV. Together all of the assets will enhance the eyes and ears of Polish mechanized and armored brigades.
The Bóbr-3 (Beaver) APC has been in development since 2013 when the National Center for Research and Development signed a contract with AMZ-Kutno for the development and delivery of a new recon vehicle. One of the main requirements was to provide an adequate level of protection for the crew and amphibious capabilities. Despite initial setbacks and the deadline being postponed twice during the construction phase, AMZ-Kutno delivered a 4×4 wheeled APC with many features not present in the BRDM-2.
Bóbr-3 is equipped with a 326 HP engine in a power-pack configuration, level 2 STANAG 4569 armor protection, and level 2a STANAG 4569 mine resilience. The vehicle can be armed with a variety of weapons mounted on a remote station. Additional protection can be provided by a laser detection system and multispectral smoke grenade dispensers mounted additionally. The crew conditions will be much improved due to the air conditioning unit mounted in the APC.
The “Tick” is only a small piece in the entire program aimed at increasing the capabilities of reconnaissance units as a whole. However, small steps are necessary for a systematic improvement of the armed forces. Even after the change in the leadership of the Polish Ministry of Defense, various programs and projects remain on course. We may expect that in 2024 several other programs will be either awarded, launched or formalized and the Technical Modernization Plan will continue to be steadily followed.