In a significant development during the 31st International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce on September 5th, Poland took a crucial step towards enhancing its defense capabilities. The Minister of National Defense, Mr. Mariusz Blaszczak, in the esteemed presence of President Andrzej Duda, officially sanctioned a contract for the acquisition of ZENIT-MP+ Automated Command Posts (ZSD) for the PILICA+ Rocket and Artillery Sets (ZRA). This contract, entered into between the State Treasury – Armament Agency and the PGZ-PILICA+ Consortium, consisting of several key defense industry players, holds a contract value of approximately PLN 650 million gross and is set to be executed between 2025 and 2029. The contract stipulates the delivery of twenty-two (22) ZENIT MP+ Automated Command Posts (ZSD), bolstering the command and control capabilities of Poland’s military. Beyond the hardware, the agreement also encompasses comprehensive training and service packages along with essential technical documentation.
The ZENIT-MP+ Automated Command Post plays a pivotal role in the command and control infrastructure, enabling effective communication and coordination in the heat of battle. This state-of-the-art system is specifically designed to support the PILICA+ Rocket and Artillery Sets (ZRA), a multifaceted defense system featuring missile launchers, radar stations, and anti-aircraft missile and artillery components. At its core, the PILICA+ system is a Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) anti-aircraft missile and artillery system, designed to combat a wide array of threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, airplanes, and cruise missiles within a range of up to 6500 meters. Its primary armament comprises the ZUR-23-2SP Jodek missile and artillery set, a potent combination featuring a double anti-aircraft gun with an impressive theoretical rate of fire of 2000 rounds per minute and an effective firing range of up to 3 kilometers. This system represents a Polish adaptation of the 23 mm ZU-23-2 gun, complemented by two PPZR Grom or Piorun missile launchers, extending its reach to 6.5 kilometers.
Each PILICA+ battery comprises six fire units, each equipped with its own GOS-1 optoelectronic head, complete with thermal imaging capabilities, TV cameras, and a laser rangefinder, allowing for independent operation even in emergency situations. The command and control infrastructure is computerized and mounted on a Jelcz 442.32 truck chassis. The system further includes a three-coordinate radar system (SR) SRL-97, based on advanced technology developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. Additionally, the PILICA+ system includes six artillery transport vehicles, two transport vehicles, and two ammunition vehicles, all mounted on the reliable Jelcz 442.32 truck chassis. This comprehensive setup ensures rapid deployment and effective utilization of the system.With the acquisition of ZENIT-MP+ Automated Command Posts, Poland is reinforcing its defense capabilities, ensuring the country’s preparedness to address modern security challenges. This significant investment reaffirms Poland’s commitment to safeguarding its national security and contributing to regional stability.
