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On Wednesday, Poland signed a significant agreement to procure 286 locally-produced LOTR Kleszcz light armored reconnaissance carriers. This acquisition aims to replace the Polish Army's outdated Soviet-era BRDM-2 4x4 vehicles, significantly enhancing their reconnaissance capabilities.
Signed by Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda, and manufacturer AMZ-KUTNO SA, the agreement outlines deliveries between 2025 and 2035.
The LOTR Kleszcz, mounted on a 4x4 wheeled platform, boasts several key features:
Enhanced Crew Protection: Ensures the safety of the five-person reconnaissance team during operations.
Information Gathering: Equipped with advanced systems to collect and transmit encrypted data about the enemy and battlefield in any weather condition.
Firepower: Provides onboard weapons for offensive and defensive support.
Mobility: Offers superior maneuverability and off-road capability with its 4x4 configuration and independent suspension.
The Kleszcz's development is a testament to Polish collaboration. The National Center for Research and Development (NCBR) partnered with a consortium of Polish entities, including AMZ-KUTNO SA, on the "Light Armored Reconnaissance Carrier" project (2013-2022). This project, costing PLN 36.45 million, received significant funding of PLN 33.42 million (€7.76 million) from the NCBR.
Floating Capability: The Kleszcz/Bóbr-3 variant can navigate water bodies.
Protection Levels: Offers base ballistic and mine resistance (Level 2 and 2a, respectively), with optional upgrades to Level 3.
Weaponry: Features a remotely controlled firing station equipped with 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns and smoke grenade launchers (Kongsberg solution).
The Kleszcz represents a significant step forward for Polish military modernization, providing its reconnaissance units with advanced, versatile, and well-protected vehicles for effective operations in various terrains and weather conditions.
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