The Polish Armament Agency’s recent agreement with the PGZ-PILICA+ consortium marks a significant milestone in the ongoing PILICA+ program. The new contract, valued at approximately PLN 550 million gross, entails the integration of Jelcz chassis with the British iLauncher launchers, contributing to the enhancement of the Pilica+ missile and artillery sets. This collaboration is projected to span from 2024 to 2029. Sebastian Chwalek, the president of PGZ SA, highlighted the strategic significance of the PILICA+ system, positioned as an intermediate solution within Poland’s multi-layered anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense system. Stemming from the proven PSR-A PILICA system, which has been fully adopted by the military, the extended variant incorporates advancements such as the iLauncher launchers, slated for eventual inclusion in the Narew short-range program.
The implementation of this agreement underscores the consortium’s prowess in swiftly designing, developing, and integrating the PILICA+ system. It’s not only a testament to their efficiency but also a pivotal step towards actualizing a robust defense infrastructure for Poland. The PSR-A Pilica system, forming a vital component of Poland’s layered air-defense system, is comprised of 23 mm AA autocannons and GROM/PIORUN missile launchers. Under the PILICA program, PGZ is committed to supplying 6 anti-aircraft batteries in the coming years. Each battery will encompass 6 fire units, a command post, a radiolocation station, artillery tractors, and ammo trucks. The consortium, composed of PGZ S.A., PIT-RADWAR S.A., PCO S.A., and Zaklady Mechaniczne Tarnów, assumes responsibility as the system integrator for the PSR-A Pilica.
The ZRA PILICA+ will incorporate advanced components like iLauncher short-range missile launchers with CAMM missiles, BYSTRA radars, and elements from the PILICA anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems (PSR-A). This comprehensive setup, including command posts, radar systems, fire units, and specialized vehicles, enables autonomous operations in diverse weather conditions. The system boasts its passive reconnaissance and tracking abilities and integrates radar information from the battery command post. The set can fire both from the ground and an artillery tractor. The set is equipped with a stabilized optoelectronic head operating in the day-night mode, which can work independently of the weapon in terms of observation, detection and identification of targets
This configuration facilitates the reconnaissance, identification, and destruction of air targets via rocket and artillery fire. Furthermore, the system’s data exchange protocols enable seamless communication with other air defense systems, enhancing its overall efficacy. The PGZ-PILICA+ consortium, comprising Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA, Zaklady Mechaniczne Tarnów SA, PIT-RADWAR SA, PCO SA, Jelcz sp. z o. o., MESKO SA, Research and Development Center of Maritime Technology Center SA, Wojskowe Zaklady Ubrojenia SA, and Wojskowe Zaklady Elektroniczne ARE, stands at the forefront of this initiative, pooling expertise and resources towards fortifying Poland’s defense capabilities.
