Polish M120 RAK mortars bolster Ukraine's frontline defence
The 44th Independent Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian army is one of the units using Western armoured vehicles. It is equipped with, among other things, German Leopard tanks and the self-propelled mortar M120 RAK from Poland, which Ukrainian soldiers speak of in the highest terms.
Unlike many other Polish weapons, the self-propelled mortar M120 RAK is not a frequent sight in frontline reports. However, Ukrainians do not hide the fact that this equipment has been a significant reinforcement for their army. The decision to support Ukraine with the self-propelled mortars M120 RAK was made in April 2023, but the first of them appeared on the frontline only in December 2023.
M120 RAK from Poland in Ukraine
A video was published on the UNITED24 channel on YouTube, through which members of the 44th Independent Mechanised Brigade presented Western armoured vehicles. Journalists met with soldiers operating these vehicles to discuss their capabilities and work in Ukraine. There was also a segment dedicated to the M120 RAK.
One of the Ukrainian soldiers emphasises the large size of the M120 RAK, as well as the comfort and safety provided to the crew. Additionally, the Ukrainian considers as a very valuable feature the ability to start firing in just 30 seconds after stopping, which is very important in the conditions of a dynamic battlefield. Ukrainian soldiers also consider the chassis (the designers used the chassis of the KTO Rosomak transporter) and the engine that allows for very efficient and fast movement both on roads and in terrain as advantages of the M120 RAK. According to them, not only do they easily reach, but even exceed the speed of 80 km/h, which the manufacturer states as the maximum.
Great capabilities of mortars from Poland
Mortars produced by Huta Stalowa Wola are among the newest systems of this type in the world. They provide good accuracy and a firing range of, depending on the type of ammunition, from 6 kilometres to 13 kilometres. Importantly, the main armament here is a 120 mm mortar with a barrel length of 25 calibres, but the designers also used solutions such as an optronic sight with a thermal imaging camera and laser rangefinder, the TOPAZ battle management system, and the FONET internal communication system.
The number of shells that can be fired from the M120 RAK is 46. According to Ukrainian soldiers from the 44th Independent Mechanised Brigade, this is the only aspect where more could be expected. However, this does not change the overall very high assessment of this Polish weapon.
