Image source: topwar.ru
According to unofficial information provided by the Polish publication Defence24, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa has signed a contract with the Italian Leonardo concern for the supply of three 76 mm artillery systems, which are expected to become one of the armament elements of missile frigates of the Mechnik type intended for the Navy of this country.
The Swordsmen will be equipped with Leonardo 76/62 SR MF STRALES cannons capable of firing standard ammunition equipped with 4AP programmable fuses, as well as DART-type guided missiles designed to combat aerial targets with high maneuverability.
Image source: topwar.ru
At the same time, the publication does not indicate the time of signing the contract, its amount, as well as the expected delivery schedule. However, thanks to these supplies, the number of 76-mm guns of Western production in the equipment of the Polish fleet will double. Currently, they are equipped with only two old frigates of the Oliver Hazard Perry type (American Mk 75 guns, which are a licensed version of the Oto Melara 76/62 Compact guns) and the patrol corvette ORP Ślązak, equipped with a more modern modification of this type of weapons — Leonardo 76/62 Super Rapid.
Image source: topwar.ru
In addition to the high rate of fire, a distinctive feature of the Super Rapid cannon is that it is equipped with a MultiAmmo Feeding system, which allows automatic selection of one of several types of ammunition extracted from two automated carousel magazines.
This system is equipped with an additional intermediate drum, which takes the selected ammunition from the corresponding carousel and moves it further to the vertical feeder. This system allows the operator to change the type of ammunition during firing, which gives much greater flexibility in using the gun, especially in the case of simultaneous occurrence of various threats and the need to transfer fire to an object of a different nature.
Thus, the Polish Mechnik ships will be equipped with modern medium-caliber artillery systems that can be used against surface/ground targets, as well as anti-aircraft and, above all, anti-missile weapons.
