Image source: topwar.ru
Poland is going to use a locally made WLKM rotary machine gun to strengthen the air defense of troops in order to protect against drone attacks.
- said the deputy head of the Ministry of Defense, Cesary Tomchik.
The WLKM, developed by ZM Tarnów, belongs to a new generation of rapid-fire weapons specifically designed to combat the growing threat from UAVs. It is a four-barrel Gatling cannon chambered for 12.7×99 mm (.50 BMG) standard NATO, which is capable of continuous fire at a rate of up to 3,600 rounds per minute. According to the developer, this installation is great for dealing with swarms of drones and other low-flying targets.
According to Polish observers, despite the visual similarity with outdated Western systems such as the American M134 minigun, the WLKM has an improved design adapted to modern requirements on the battlefield. It is expected that he will play one of the key roles in the multi-level architecture of UAV counteraction in Poland.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to the manufacturer, tests have shown the effectiveness of WLKM against aerial targets at a distance of up to 2000 m, and the maximum height of damage is approximately 1500 m. Due to this, it is excellent for fighting targets at low and medium altitudes: quadrocopters, low-flying reconnaissance drones and barrage ammunition.
Western observers believe that WLKM fills a critical gap between small arms and more advanced air defense systems, such as missiles. The Ministry of Defense has not disclosed the contract price or production dates. It also does not specify which departments will receive the system first and what is the scale of planned purchases.
