Ukrainian ingenuity increases battlefield effectiveness of Rak mortars
Ukrainians place great value on the Polish M120 Rak self-propelled mortars, and it's been revealed that after initial losses, they developed a new tactic that ensures favourable results.
Unofficially, we've learned from experts in Stalowa Wola that following the initial loss of at least two M120 Rak systems, Ukrainians developed a new strategy for their deployment. What does it involve? That remains unclear as Ukrainian users are unwilling to share the details, but it's certain that the mortars are performing well in battle. Consequently, there is an interest in acquiring more of them.
Ukrainians received 24 M120 Rak self-propelled mortars following a decision made in April 2023, with the first photos from the front emerging in December 2023. The Raks, like the Krab howitzers, were deployed in the most intensive sections of the front. The current version of the Rak's only limitation is its range, which is shorter compared to that of howitzers.
It's notable that the production of the current version of Rak has concluded at HSW, with any future orders focusing on the upgraded turret system unveiled at the International Defence Industry Exhibition 2024, featuring, among other enhancements, a barrel of 32 calibres in length and an autoloader with a firing rate of 10-12 rounds per minute. The total production of the M120 Rak system includes 120 units and two mortar prototypes, 60 command vehicles, 45 ammunition carriers, and 15 maintenance vehicles.
M120 Rak — a Polish modern mortar with huge potential
In production since 2016, the M120 Rak is a modern self-propelled mortar developed by HSW and mounted on the wheeled chassis of the KTO Rosomak transporter. However, this isn't the end, as HSW has also produced a version on the tracked chassis of the Borsuk.
A key advantage of the Polish mortar is its modular turret, which is an independent module that can be mounted on various platforms. This versatility allows it to serve as a fixed defensive element or be installed on ship decks, akin to the Finnish NEMO system.
The central component of the M120 Rak system is a 120-mm calibre mortar with a barrel length of 25 calibres, equipped with an autoloader and a comprehensive communication system. A critical feature of the M120 Rak self-propelled mortars is their integration with the TOPAZ fire control system, which enables receiving real-time target information from sources such as FlyEye drones, allowing nearly immediate targeting.
The M120 Rak can start firing at targets within 30 seconds of stopping, and it can move again 15 seconds after the last shot is fired. The system's range varies with the ammunition and currently spans about 6 to 11 kilometres.
The Rak can fire a maximum of eight rounds per minute, which facilitates the rapid depletion of its onboard stock of 46 rounds. This feature enables operation in environments with artillery radars, where remaining in one spot for too long can be risky, although drones capable of tracking moving targets also pose a challenge.
Hence the showcase of potential applications with the new turret demonstrated during MSPO 2024 included Pangolin reactive armour blocks from WITU and plates with spikes conceptually similar to German rubber-ceramic Igelpanzerung mats. This combination, along with Ukrainian strategies, could make one of the most effective self-propelled mortars in the world.
