BRIMSTONE Integrated on Both Wheeled and Tracked Launch vehicles

At MSPO 2020, MBDA is displaying a new variant of the tank-hunter, proposed for Poland’s OTTOKAR-BRZOZA modernization programme.

The programme aims to replace severely outdated Soviet-era 9M14 (9P133) MALYUTKA-P anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). These are still in service with the 14th Anti-Tank Artillery Division in Suwałki. Slightly newer 9K113 (9P148) KONKURS were retired in 2010. However, in order to enhance deterrent capabilities in the Eastern part of the country, Poland wants to expand this unit and re-designate it the 14th Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment.

MBDA’s proposal includes mounting eight of its BRIMSTONE ATGMs on either a wheeled or a tracked vehicle. According to the producer, the former option includes either the ŻUBR-P vehicle, which is offered by AMZ-Kutno, or the ROSOMAK, manufactured in Siemianowice Śląskie. ŻUBR is now a platform for three Polish systems, including the VSHORAD POPRAD and two tactical radars – SOŁA and BYSTRA. ROSOMAK is a highly successful and versatile APC which exists in several variants, including armed. As far as a tracked variant is concerned, MBDA’s idea is to mount its ATGM on the PK-9 chassis, which is based on the 155mm KRAB chassis, produced by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW).

MBDA stated that a launcher can be easily concealed within a hull in order to hide the vehicle’s true purpose, and would be integrated with the TOPAZ combat management system, already in service with the Polish Army. TOPAZ is manufactured by Poland’s WB Electronics.

Last year, PGZ and MBDA UK signed a letter of intent regarding joint cooperation on BRIMSTONE. If a contract for OTTOKAR-BROZA is awarded to PGZ, the company would acquire know-how from MBDA, while MESKO in Skarżysko Kamienna would be responsible for production. Polish industry is already involved in manufacturing components of BRIMSTONE, which has been competing with such ATGMs as HELLFIRE, SPIKE-ER and NLOS.

Robert Czulda in Kielce for MON