On July 20, the Polish Armed Forces took delivery of the second tranche comprising 35 ZMIJA (Viper) 4×4 long-range reconnaissance vehicles. These vehicles were handed over to military units stationed near the eastern borders of Poland. The procurement of the ZMIJA long-range reconnaissance vehicles stems from a contract signed on September 6, 2017, between the Armament Inspectorate and a consortium comprised of Polski Holding Obronny Sp. z o. o. and Concept Sp z o. o. Under this agreement, a total of 118 ZMIJA vehicles are scheduled to be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces.
The first batch, consisting of 25 vehicles, marked the initial phase of the contract and was successfully delivered in December 2021. ZMIJA vehicles are built upon a modified Mitsubishi L200 chassis, boasting a robust 180 HP diesel engine capable of generating a maximum torque of 430 Nm. These vehicles are also equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, a transfer and reduction gearbox featuring an interaxle differential lock, ensuring enhanced performance and versatility for reconnaissance missions.
ZMIJA 4×4 Long-range Reconnaissance Vehicles. (Photo by Polski Holding Obronny)
Technical specification details published by MoND confirm that the production vehicle is powered by a 2.4 litre (2442cc 4-cylinder 4N15) diesel engine through a 6F1R manual gearbox. Drive is 4-wheel with a central differential, reduction gears and three differential locks, suspension is independent double wishbone coil sprung all round with a rigid rear axle, and brakes are disc at the front and drum at the rear. Length is given 4,000mm, width is 2000mm, height is 2050mm and wheelbase is 2,600mm. Ground clearance is 245mm, approach angle is 40°, departure angle is 65° with rear load platform raised, or 37° with platform lowered, ramp angle is 40° and a 100% gradient can be tackled.
Polski Holding Obronny is the entity which (under the Bumar name until 2013) for early 45 years has operated in the area of special trading, export of armament and on the foreign markets. At present, the company’s operation is based on three pillars: key – provision of comprehensive services and solutions for the defence and cybersecurity sectors, commercial operations on the national and foreign markets and activity on the real-estate market. Our offer includes innovative products, systems and services for the industry, transport, armed forces, uniformed services and civil customers.
ZMIJA 4×4 Long-range Reconnaissance Vehicles. (Photo by Polski Holding Obronny)