Poland is providing 120 million zlotys, or $33.54 million, for development of its own Moskit anti-tank missile system. And this should be an alternative to foreign analogues currently being purchased, such as Javelin and Spike.
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Corresponding funds were allocated by the country’s National Centre for Research and Development within a grant of 260 million zlotys for the Perun competition. The rest of the funding will go to other projects in 15 different technological directions that were recognized as priorities by the defense ministry for the period 2021-2035.
Among various developments are mentioned Sowa and Noktor night vision and observation systems, Automina ground unmanned mining system, BoHun UGV, as well as Ares analytical-simulation complex. It’s anticipated that all programs will be brought to readiness level 4, meaning prototype creation.
Polish portable ATGM Moskit / Photo credit: Defence24
Of course, the largest and most important project here is Moskit, work on which has actually been ongoing for more than a year. However, recently there was no information about any progress, and official responses essentially left in the air the development’s future.
Now it’s guaranteed that there is both state interest and funding. At the same time, Polish government officials emphasize the importance of creating their own missile weapons that will not depend on restrictions from other countries.
Polish portable ATGM Moskit / Photo credit: Defence24
Although many compare Moskit with Javelin, actually this ATGM is closer to Israeli Spike. This is indicated by use of optoelectronic guidance via fiber optics.
Its known that 5 years ago two versions were presented: SR with range up to 2 km and LR with range up to 4 km. Also, a variant with capability to hit targets at distances up to 10 km was being developed, which most likely is now being funded.
If Moskit manages to reach serial production, it will not only provide Polish anti-tank weapons for infantry, but also potentially allow replacing Spike in the ZSSW-30 combat turret installed on KTO Rosomak and Borsuk IFV. However, someone might question investments in ATGMs against the backdrop of FPV drone development.
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