In order to scope the another side of the river, Rosomaki, mortars Cancer or combat infantry wagons, the military had to admit the area, capture the bays, build a temporary bridge on Narvi. The transfer of equipment and subdivisions covered the air force of the ground helicopters Mi-2 and drones. This was 1 of the episodes of the “Iron Gate 25” exercise which took place as part of the “Iron Defender” maneuvers.
“Iron Defender” is the most crucial exercise of the Polish Army this year, which involves 30,000 soldiers of the Polish army and allied states and 6 1000 pieces of equipment. The primary function in maneuvering plays 18th Mechanized Divisionwhich active more than 8,000 soldiers and 1,500 units of military equipment. U.S. soldiers with tank company and impact helicopters will besides join the action AH-64 Apache.
Today the soldiers were waiting for a crossing through Narew. – This is 1 of the episodes of the exercise, allowing to test the mobility of troops, to practice the interaction of engineering, combat, reconnaissance and safety divisions – says Colonel Paweł Zagazińczyk, spokesperson for the 18th Division. It adds that it was essential to perfectly assemble all elements of combat action: conduct a reconnaissance, deploy segments of the temporary pontoon bridge, check raids on both sides of the river. “This is an crucial training due to the fact that it is not possible to practice a crossing across a river, especially on specified a large scale,” the officer emphasizes.
Crossing for dense equipment
The most crucial task was to build a pontoon bridge, which consisted of interconnected floating segments and shore invasions. Thanks to the crossing, the troops could rapidly decision dense combat vehicles and logistics equipment from 1 bank to another. As Colonel Zagaznik explained, the extended plan provides advanced burden capacity and can be adapted to the width required for vehicles.
During the crossing of Narew almost 250 vehicles passed, including Rosomak wheeled armored transporters, Self-propelled mortars Cancer, combat infantry cars, fire support systems, as well as military trucks. At the same time, the soldiers carried out a landing on 3 crossing axes, utilizing the temporary PP-64 bridge, floating armored transporters PTS and combat infantry wagons. So they could rapidly strengthen the forces on the another side of the river.
Air recognition
The operation was besides engaged in the air force of the land troops, which led to the reconnaissance, reflection and cover of the divisions. Over the crossing appeared Mi-2 helicopters of the 49th Air Base 1st Air Force Brigade of Inowrocław Air Force and unmanned FlyEye aircraft whose function was to support site designation and vehicle traffic monitoring.
Soldiers of the 21th Podhale firearm Brigade, 1 of the 10 units of the 18th Mechanized Division, were liable for organizing the crossing. The preparation and maintenance of the Pontoon Bridge was the task of engineering sub-units from the 3rd Chełmn Bomb Squadron. They were supported by a rescue and evacuation group from the Engineering Army Training Centre in Wrocław, as well as soldiers 18th Bomb Squadron The Iron Division.
The aim of the Iron Defender is to check the interoperability and capability of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland to carry out defence activities on land, air and water. Exercises will last until the end of September.
