According to an article published by MilitaryLeak on June 26, 2023, the Polish Armed Forces recently took possession of 35 domestically produced Zmija 4×4 long-range reconnaissance vehicles (LRRV), which were strategically deployed in military units stationed near Poland’s eastern borders.
In response to the presence of Wagner mercenary fighters, who are allied with Russia, Poland has taken measures to relocate some military units closer to the Belarusian border. This move comes amidst reports of escalating military maneuvers and pressure on the geopolitical front. In a televised Security Council meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning, stating that any aggression against Belarus would be perceived as an attack on Russia, potentially leading to significant consequences.
The Zmija, also known as the Viper, is a long-range reconnaissance vehicle developed for the Polish Armed Forces as part of their Armed Forces Technical Modernisation Plan. Its purpose is to bolster Poland’s defense capabilities by providing advanced reconnaissance capabilities in challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions.
In April 2015, the Polish Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced a tender for 118 light-armored long-range reconnaissance vehicles as part of the ‘Zmija’ (Viper) program. This initiative was a significant aspect of Poland’s ambitious Armed Forces Technical Modernisation Plan, which involved substantial investments between 2013 and 2022. It was first unveiled in Western Europe at Eurosatory 2018.
The ŻMIJA (Viper) LRRV is based on the Team Concept Wirus-4 (Virus-4). It was selected as the winning vehicle out of three candidates evaluated for Poland’s Ministry of National Defence Żmija, or Viper, a requirement for a three-man Light Strike Vehicle (Lekki Pojazd Uderzeniowy or LPU in Polish). The Wirus-4 was developed by the Team Concept consortium, consisting of the vehicle conversion company Concept of Bielsko-Biała and PHO (Polskiego Holdingu Obronnego) of Warsaw.