Politics · Other · 1 day ago
Poland selects Norwegian gun system for K2PL tanks after local test failure
Poland has chosen Norway’s Protector RS4 for its K2PL vehicles after a Polish-made weapon system failed military tests.
The test system, A3B, was developed by Tarnów Mechanical Works, part of state-owned Polish Armaments Group.
A3B hit 26.7% of targets at 500 metres, 10% at 1,000 metres and none at 1,500 metres, well below the army’s required accuracy levels.
The tests also raised concerns about firing at moving targets and at night.
A remote weapon system lets a vehicle crew fire an externally mounted weapon from inside, using cameras and aiming controls.
Poland has pursued local production as part of its effort to involve domestic industry in K2PL vehicles, but reliability and delivery schedules also matter.
The Norwegian system is planned for 120 vehicles, while Poland says a Polish-made improved version could still be considered if it passes military testing.
Poland has retained its recommendation to equip K2PL tanks with Norway’s Protector RS4 remote weapon station after a Polish-made test unit fell short of military accuracy requirements.
The Tarnów-developed A3B system scored 26.7% at 500 metres, 10% at 1,000 metres and 0% at 1,500 metres in tests reported by Polish media.
Poland’s military had required accuracy above 90%, 70% and 50% at those respective distances.
The Norwegian system is to be supplied under a contract worth 700 million Norwegian kroner, with a reported order of 120 units for tanks and related vehicles.
Poland has not ruled out a future role for an improved Polish system if it passes military testing.
- Who
- Poland’s military authorities selected the Protector RS4 remote weapon station made by Norway’s Kongsberg.
- What
- Poland retained its recommendation to use the Norwegian system for K2PL tanks after a Polish-made system failed accuracy tests.
- When
- The test was reported as taking place on February 2, 2026; the decision was reported on November 2.
- Where
- The test took place at a firing range in Nowa Dęba, Podkarpackie region, Poland.
- Why
- The Polish-made A3B system failed to meet the military’s accuracy requirements.
Polish military authorities
Polish domestic-system advocates
System choice
Polish military authorities
The military retained its recommendation to use Kongsberg’s Protector RS4 after the A3B failed testing.
Polish domestic-system advocates
Former deputy defence minister Michał Dworczyk criticised the decision, questioning whether even a basic machine-gun mount had to be imported.
Future domestic option
Polish military authorities
The military may reconsider a Polish system if it meets requirements and passes testing.
Polish domestic-system advocates
Tarnów proposed developing an improved A3K system for the K2PL.
Poland signed the second K2 tank implementation contract.
Poland’s military tested the A3B remote weapon station at the Nowa Dęba firing range.
Polish media reported that the military had retained its recommendation to equip K2PL vehicles with Kongsberg’s Protector RS4.
- A3B accuracy at 500 metres
- 26.7%; military requirement: above 90%
- A3B accuracy at 1,000 metres
- 10%; military requirement: above 70%
- A3B accuracy at 1,500 metres
- 0%; military requirement: above 50%
- Norwegian system
- Kongsberg Protector RS4
- Contract value
- 700 million Norwegian kroner
- Reported order
- 120 units for K2PL tanks and related support vehicles
3 sources
What people are saying
We plan to create conditions for Polish companies to participate not only in the component supply chain but also in maintenance, repair and overhaul, and to use Polish technological solutions as much as possible.