The PGZ-PILICA+ consortium has secured another significant contract with the Armament Agency, aimed at bolstering the operational efficiency of the PILICA+ Rocket and Artillery Sets within the Polish Armed Forces. Valued at approximately PLN 1.4 billion gross, this contract encompasses the provision of logistics and training packages, as well as laboratory equipment. The deliveries, set to span from 2024 to 2029, are expected to enhance Poland’s defense capabilities significantly. The PGZ-PILICA+ consortium comprises several key entities in the Polish defense industry, including: Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA (Leader), Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów SA, PIT-RADWAR SA, PCO SA, Jelcz Sp. z o. o., Mesko SA, Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia SA and Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne SA. Additionally, the PGZ-PILICA+ consortium will develop and deliver an executive design for the Ammunition Vehicle (PA2) and the ZRA PILICA+ Laboratory. They will also provide comprehensive technical documentation, conduct training, and offer technical support
The agreement outlines several crucial deliverables from the PGZ-PILICA+ consortium to the Polish Armed Forces:
Group Kits:
- These kits will enable comprehensive repairs of all ZRA PILICA+ components using included assemblies, subassemblies, and spare parts.
- Repair Kits: Similar to the group kits, these will ensure the repairability of ZRA PILICA+ components, focusing on individual component repairs.
- Service and Repair Workshops (WOR I and WOR II): These workshops, mounted on Jelcz 662 family vehicles with a 4-person cabin, are designed for technical service and field repairs of PILICA+ components.
- Ammunition Vehicles (PA2): These vehicles will facilitate the transport and reloading of CAMM+ missiles.
- ZRA Pilica+ Laboratory Equipment: This equipment is intended to support the training of ZRA PILICA+ component crews and management staff of anti-aircraft subunits.
The PILICA+ program officially commenced on October 4, 2022, through an agreement between the PGZ-PILICA+ consortium and the Armament Agency. This initiative aims to establish the PILICA+ systems as the cornerstone of the Air Force Anti-Aircraft Defense Forces. The primary mission of these systems is to complement the fire zones of short- and medium-range air defense missile systems at low and very low altitudes and to safeguard the Wisła systems. These systems are engineered to operate autonomously in diverse weather and visibility conditions, leveraging both passive reconnaissance and tracking systems and radar information from battery command posts. The configuration ensures effective reconnaissance, identification, and neutralization of air targets with both missile and artillery fire. The guns’ rate of fire and range also enable engagement with ground and sea targets. Furthermore, the implementation of common data exchange protocols ensures seamless data transmission and reception from other air defense systems.
The ZRA PILICA+ is a sophisticated system incorporating various advanced components:
- iLauncher Short-Range Rocket Launchers: Equipped with CAMM missiles.
- Bystra Radars: For enhanced radar capabilities.
- Pilica Anti-Aircraft Missile-Artillery Systems (PSR-A): Including command posts, short-range radars, fire units with artillery tractors, communication subsystems, and ammunition and transport vehicles.
- Anti-Drone Systems: Specifically designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles.
The new contract with the PGZ-PILICA+ consortium marks a significant step in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. With these advancements, Poland is poised to strengthen its national defense infrastructure, ensuring robust protection against various aerial threats.
