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The following article presents the key technical modernization projects in the land domain, focusing primarily on combat vehicles, missile and artillery systems as well as air defense systems.
New and Modernized Tanks
This year, the Polish Land Forces received the first batch of M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks. The process of acquiring these vehicles effectively began in 2020 and was driven by delays in the modernization of Poland’s Leopard 2 tanks and the need for a generational replacement of equipment in armored units (earlier plans assumed the purchase of 120 new tanks under the codename Wilk (Wolf) but with a rather distant timeline — the first phase was expected to be completed before 2035) Due to the growing threat from Russia, a decision was made in 2021 to directly purchase American tanks, and in July of that year, Poland announced its intention to acquire 250 new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks. The intergovernmental agreement was signed in April 2023, and the purchase is carried out under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The contract includes 250 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, 26 M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicles (ARVs), 17 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges (JABs), as well as training and logistics packages with an ammunition stockpile. The first batch of Polish tanks has already been delivered, and the entire contract is expected to be fulfilled by the end of next year. Last year, the final batch of 76 modernized, older‑generation M1A1 FEP Abrams tanks — purchased in January 2023 in the U.S. — was also delivered. In total, Poland will received 116 tanks, 12 M88A2 Hercules ARVs, 8 M1074 JAB bridges, six M577A3 command and control (C2) vehicles on the M113 armored personnel carrier (APC) chassis, and 26 NG SECM (Next Generation Shop Equipment Contact Maintenance) contact maintenance vehicles based on the M1152A1 HMMWV platform.
In July 2025, the purchase of 25 American M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles (ABV) has been finalized. The Armament Agency initiated the procedure in November 2022 to acquire these vehicles under the FMS program. These engineering vehicles, built on the Abrams tank chassis, are intended for engineering units specifically tasked with supporting those American tanks in the Polish Land Forces. The industrial maintenance capability for American vehicles is being developed primarily at the Military Automotive Works (Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne, WZM).
Another type of new tank in the Polish Armed Forces is the South Korean K2 Black Panther. The first discussions regarding a potential acquisition of these vehicles began in 2019. The war in Ukraine accelerated the decision to purchase a batch of these tanks in a transitional version designated K2GF (Gap Filler). In July 2022, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with Hyundai Rotem regarding the acquisition of a total of 1 000 K2 tanks along with support elements. The agreement initially proposed that 180 vehicles would be delivered in the transitional K2GF version, and the remaining 820 in the final K2PL version adapted to Polish requirements (the first batch of vehicles is to be modernized in subsequent stages of the program’s implementation). The following month, a contract was signed between the Armament Agency and Hyundai Rotem for the purchase of 180 ready-made K2GF vehicles along with a batch of ammunition as well as training and logistics packages, with deliveries planned between 2022 and 2025. By the end of 2024, 110 K2GF vehicles had been delivered to Poland, and all remaining vehicles are to be handed over by the end of this year.
The target version of the tank, the K2PL, is to be developed with the involvement of the Polish defense industry. As part of the aforementioned July 2022 agreement, a provision was included for the production of a total of 820 K2PL tanks in Korea and Poland between 2026 and 2035, along with approximately 350 support vehicles based on the tank chassis. In July 2024, the Polish Armaments Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ) signed an agreement with Hyundai Rotem to form a consortium aimed at offering the production of the K2PL and accompanying vehicles, including armored recovery vehicles, engineering support vehicles, and assault bridges.
In August, the Armament Agency signed a second executive contract with Hyundai Rotem for the K2 tank. The basic scope of the agreement covers the delivery of 180 tanks, including 116 K2GF variants and 64 K2PL variants, between 2026 and 2030. The K2PL variant vehicles will feature additional armor, active vehicle protection systems, anti-drone devices, a remotely controlled weapons station, and new communications systems. The contract also calls for the acquisition of 81 support vehicles, including 31 technical support vehicles, 25 engineering vehicles, and 25 support bridges, between 2028 and 2031. These vehicles will be assembled at Polish defense industry plants with domestically produced equipment and systems. The contract also includes the supply of ammunition for the tank’s gun and machine guns, spare parts, maintenance and repair equipment, including special tool kits, technical documentation, and a training package with delivery of ETS (Embeded Training System) on-board simulators, training for instructors, crews and technical services.
It is also worth mentioning the modernization of Leopard 2A4 tanks to the Leopard 2PL/PLM1 variant, carried out by the Polish defense industry. The contract for the modernization of 142 tanks was signed in December 2015 and has been amended multiple times. The formal contractor for the work is a consortium of the PGZ and the “Bumar-Łabędy” Mechanical Works, though the WZM also participates in the project. The partner of the Polish consortium is the German company Rheinmetall. The modernization itself is progressing rather slowly—by the end of last year, 76 modernized Leopard 2PL tanks had been delivered. Currently, it is assumed that work on all vehicles may continue until 2028. The number of Leopard 2A4 tanks planned for modernization has also been reduced due to 14 of them being transferred to Ukraine.
In 2024, the final batch of T-72M1R tanks, overhauled and modified by two plants involved in the project — the Bumar-Łabędy Mechanical Works and the Military Automotive Works — was also delivered to the end user. The contract for the overhaul with modification of 318 T-72 tanks, set for the years 2019 to 2025, was signed in July 2019. Due to the decision to suspend the contract’s execution, this year it is solely planned to complete work on the last tanks from the batch scheduled for delivery in 2024, thereby concluding the contract. In total, 152 T-72M1R tanks were modified, several dozen of which were handed over to Ukraine.
Last year, 15 additional BWR-1D/S modernized tracked reconnaissance vehicles were delivered. The work is being carried out under agreements between the Armament Inspectorate and the Armament Agency with the WZM, signed in April 2021 and January 2024, for the delivery of a total of 33 upgraded vehicles of the BWR-1D/S family — that is, all those not yet modernized to date.
Borsuk in Production and a New Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle
In March of this year, a long-awaited executive contract was signed with Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) for the delivery of 111 new Borsuk (Badger) infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) between 2025 and 2029 (with the possibility of accelerated deliveries). This is the first of the planned contracts for vehicles of this class and is based on a framework agreement from February 2023, which sets the maximum order quantity at 1 014 IFVs and 341 vehicles based on a universal tracked platform — that is, variants of Borsuk equipped with specialized systems. The delivery of 111 IFVs (including five previously produced units) is expected to equip two mechanized battalions under the current organizational structure. Borsuk IFVs are to be equipped with ZSSW-30 turrets in a modified version adapted to process information labeled as „restricted.” The specialized vehicles are to be developed based on the universal tracked platform in two main variants: with a standard hull (for instance Żuk (Beetle) reconnaissance transporters, Gekon (Gecko) armored recovery vehicles, and Ares CBRN reconnaissance vehicles), and with an extended hull offering greater interior volume (e.g., Oset (Carduus) command and control vehicles and Gotem medical evacuation vehicles). Requirements for these specialized platforms are being currently analyzed.
As of mid-2025, no decision has been made regarding the launch of a project to acquire a non-amphibious „heavy” infantry fighting vehicle (CBWP). The total demand for such vehicles is estimated at around 700 units, in both combat and specialized versions. In August 2023, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with the PGZ, acting as the leader of an industrial consortium, for the construction and delivery of CBWP demonstrators/prototypes. Last year, it was planned to order the first production vehicles of this class. A decision was made last year to carry out the project based on a foreign license. The consortium led by PGZ has been conducting analyses in recent months regarding the feasibility of acquiring a license to manufacture CBWP chassis from several foreign manufacturers or produce domestic wehicle. The turret module, on the other hand, is supposed to be an upgraded version of the ZSSW-30 model, offering higher ballistic protection, to be developed by a consortium including Huta Stalowa Wola and WB Group.
Serial Rosomak APCs and New Wheeled Armored Personal Carrier
The Rosomak (Wolverine) wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) program has recently seen several significant developments regarding the acquisition of new specialized variants of this vehicle, developed and now being produced by Rosomak company.
In July 2024, the Armament Agency signed an executive agreement with a consortium consisting of Huta Stalowa Wola, PGZ as well as WB Electronics and Rosomak for the delivery of 58 new wheeled Rosomak vehicles equipped with the ZSSW-30 turret, scheduled to be delivered between 2026 and 2027. Earlier in December of the last year, a contract was signed for a batch of 80 Rosomak-L vehicles — an extended version also equipped with ZSSW-30 turret. These are scheduled for delivery in 2027–2028. Additionally, modified Rosomak deliveries continue this year; these are being rebuilt from basic versions (sourced from military stock) and retrofitted with ZSSW-30 turret. This work is being carried out under a July agreement between the Armament Agency and the consortium of HSW, PGZ, WB Electronics and Rosomak. The contract covers the delivery of 70 ZSSW-30 turrets and their integration with Rosomak vehicles between 2023 and 2027.
Deliveries include specialized variants based on the Rosomak chassis as well. In the past year, 11 Rosomak-WEM medical evacuation vehicles were delivered out of a total of 41 ordered for 2022–2025 (including eight ordered as options). At the beginning of 2025, a batch of seven Rosomak-WPT technical assistance vehicles was delivered out of a total of 18 ordered. Additional 10 Rosomak-WEM, 6 Rosomak-WPT, and 11 Rosomak-WRT technical reconnaissance vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
Command and control vehicles are also produced: Kroton-bis (Codiaeum-bis), a follow-on version of Kroton (Codiaeum) vehicle, intended for Polish units equipped with Abrams tanks, and Zawilec (Anemone) vehicle for units equipped with other combat vehicles. A batch of 12 Kroton-bis C2 vehicles was ordered in December 2023, while 6 Zawilec C2 vehicles were ordered in October 2023—all six Zawilec vehicles are scheduled for delivery this year.
Only in 2028–2029 will 11 new Rosomak-RSK NBC reconnaissance vehicles be produced since this vehicle is still in development. In September 2021, a contract was signed for an R&D project to develop a prototype, followed by a production lot of 10 vehicles. The project is being carried out by a consortium including Rosomak, WB Electronics, Military Communications Works No. 2 (WZŁ 2), and the Military Institute of Chemistry and Radiometry (WIChiR). Work on assembling the prototype continued last year.
As of mid-2025, no decision has been made regarding the launch of the New Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (NKTO) program. The total estimated demand for this type of vehicle is around 1 000 units, including both combat and specialized versions. In August 2023, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with PGZ, as the leader of a consortium, for the development and delivery of NKTO demonstrators/prototypes. Two of these are to be integrated with ZSSW-30 remote turret system (IFV version), and two with a new remote weapon system equipped with a heavy machine gun (for the armored personnel carrier and specialized variants). Last year, a decision was made to carry out the project based on a foreign license. In recent months, the PGZ consortium has only been conducting analyses of the potential to acquire a license to manufacture the NKTO chassis from several foreign manufacturers.
Rocket Artillery Systems
Over the past several months, key projects related to the delivery of new rocket and artillery systems have been underway. The first project is the Homar (Lobster) program, aimed at procuring new artillery rocket systems. It is divided into two parts: one involving purchases from an American producer (Homar-A) and the other from a Korean producer (Homar-K). By mid-2025, the procurement program for new Homar-A launchers — that is, HIMARS rocket modules mounted on Polish Jelcz 663 truck chassis — had not started yet. In September 2023, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin for the delivery of 468 rocket launcher modules (for 26 battalion fire modules), which were to be integrated in Poland with Polish chassis and equipped with Topaz BMS developed by WB Group. Under a potential contract, support and security vehicles were also to be ordered, as well as a package of munitions (partially produced in Poland), along with logistical and training support. The first executive contract was meant to cover 126 launchers produced and delivered by Lockheed Martin along with Polish Jelcz chassis (for 7 battalion fire modules), while the second contract would cover the remaining 360 launchers (for 20 battalion fire modules) to be assembled in Poland. Delivery of the first launchers integrated with Polish chassis was anticipated for 2026. The delay in signing the initial contract is caused by „lack of consent from the American side for cooperation of Polish enterprises in the production of HIMARS launcher modules and the rockets themselves prior to signing this agreement”.
The second segment of the order for multiple launch rocket systems, known as Homar-K, is being implemented according to schedule in this regard. Last year, the military received 39 ready-made Homar-K launchers with Korean modules mounted on Polish Jelcz 882 truck chassis. The launcher modules are being delivered under an executive agreement from November 2022, signed with Hanwha Aerospace, for the purchase of 218 K239L launcher modules (for 12 battalion fire modules), which are to be integrated with Jelcz 882 platforms and Polish Topaz BMS. The order also includes rocket munitions as well as logistical and training support. Additionally, in April of last year, a second executive agreement was signed with Hanwha Aerospace for the delivery of another 72 launcher modules (for four battalion fire modules) and rocket ammunition in the years 2027–2029.
To properly implement both of these foreign orders, it is necessary to procure vehicles, electronic systems, communication and C2 devices, logistical systems, and other components from companies within the Polish defense industry. These are being supplied by the “PGZ-WWR” consortium, which includes the PGZ, Huta Stalowa Wola, Jelcz, Rosomak, Military Communications Works No. 1 (WZŁ1) and PIT-Radwar. The first agreement, signed in November 2022, for the chassis for the K239L launchers and ammunition vehicles for the Homar-K system (for one battalion fire module), has been completed in this regard. Currently, deliveries of chassis for launchers are ongoing under a second contract from December 2023 (for 11 battalion fire modules). Command and control vehicles have also been ordered on chassis of new types of armored vehicles – Heron 6×6 and Waran 4×4 – under an agreement between the Armament Agency and the “PGZ-WWR” consortium from December of last year. These C2 vehicles will be part of 12 battalion fire modules.
In November of last year, the Armament Agency signed a contract with a consortium of PGZ and HSW for the delivery of over 50 support and logistics vehicles for three battalion fire modules equipped with WR-40 Langusta systems. These systems will be modernized to meet the requirements of modern battlefield. The order includes, among other things, command and control vehicles based on the Heron 6×6 and Waran 4×4 platforms, as well as ammunition and workshop vehicles. The order is scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2028.
No significant progress was noted last year in the program of the new Polish tank destroyer codenamed Ottokar-Brzoza. The program was formally initiated by the Armament Inspectorate in March 2019. After selecting a specific solution offered by PGZ, the “PGZ-Ottokar” consortium was established in May 2022. It includes the Polish Armaments Group, Huta Stalowa Wola, Mesko, and the Military Electronic Works (later also „Tarnów” Mechanical Works). The foreign industrial partner for this project is MBDA UK, the supplier of Brimstone missiles. Two months later, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement regarding the tank destroyers with the “PGZ-Ottokar” consortium, which defines the conditions for awarding contracts within the consortium for the production of various elements of the battery fire module, including vehicles and missile launchers. Initially, the plan was to procure four batteries of Ottokar-Brzoza tank destroyers. The system’s platforms were supposed to be Waran 4×4 and Heron 6×6 off-road armored vehicles.
Self-Propelled Artillery
The second significant artillery order, as outlined in the plans, is the acquisition of Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. In July 2022, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with Hanwha Aerospace for the acquisition of 672 K9 howitzers (for 28 battalion fire modules), followed the next month by the first executive agreement for the delivery of 212 K9A1 units between 2022 and 2026 (for nearly nine battalion fire modules), along with ammunition reserves, training and logistical packages. By the end of last year, a total of 70 howitzers had been delivered, with 144 units in total — comprising both used howitzers upgraded to the K9A1 standard before being handed over to the Polish side, and brand-new ones from current production.
In December of last year, an agreement was also signed with a consortium of the PGZ, HSW and Rosomak for the delivery of 283 support and logistics vehicles for nine battalion fire modules. These include command and control vehicles on modernized LPG tracked chassis, reconnaissance vehicles and observer section vehicles based on Rosomak armored personnel carriers, as well as ammunition and workshop vehicles based on Jelcz 6×6 and 8×8 truck chassis.
Both the howitzers and the support vehicles will be equipped with Polish communication systems and the Topaz BMS.
With the purchase of Korean self-propelled howitzers, Poland should, in the first phase, establish a maintenance capability for routine servicing, followed in the second phase by the development of an industrial capability for the production of artillery systems. Based on the K9A1 howitzer and the K9A2 version currently undergoing testing in Korea, a „Polish” variant designated K9PL is being developed, which will incorporate some domestic components.
A total of 146 K9PL systems were ordered in December 2023 under the second executive agreement for the delivery of ready-made SPGs from Korea (for six battalion fire modules), along with an additional 6 K9A1 howitzers (to fully equip the ninth divisional fire module). The contract also includes an ammunition stockpile, as well as training and logistics packages. Deliveries of K9PL are scheduled to begin next year.
Initially, it was planned that all K9PL units would be manufactured in Poland (with“Bumar-Łabędy”Mechanical Works initially selected as the main producer, but this plan is no longer valid). Considering the total order of 364 howitzers—both K9A1 and K9PL variants—sourced from Korean production plants, 308 howitzers of this type would still remain to be manufactured domestically. The industrial support capability for Korean systems is being primarily developed at Huta Stalowa Wola.
When it comes to the Regina battalion fire modules with Krab (Crab) 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, between 2015 and 2021, Polish artillery units received 80 SPGs and over 40 support and logistics vehicles, including C2 vehicles on LPG tracked chassis, and ammunition and workshop vehicles on Jelcz 6×6 and 8×8 truck chassis. These deliveries were carried out under two executive contracts: the first for 24 Krabs from May 2008, and the second for 98 units from December 2016.
Of the Krab SPGs already in service, 54 ready-made units, along with the necessary support and logistics vehicles, were transferred to Ukraine. To replenish domestic stock, Krab howitzers are to be produced for the Polish Armed Forces in 2025–2026 under the terms of the second executive agreement. Once these are delivered—planned for 2026—deliveries under two new executive agreements (the third and fourth) are expected to begin.
The first of these, signed between the Armament Agency and Huta Stalowa Wola in September 2022, covers the delivery of 48 additional Krab howitzers and 36 support and logistics vehicles. The second, signed in December last year, provides for the delivery of 96 units, including 48 modernized units, along with 72 support and logistics vehicles.
As for the company fire modules with Rak (Crayfish) 120 mm self-propelled mortars, their deliveries were carried out under the third contract (previous orders were delivered between 2017 and 2022), signed in May 2020 between the Armament Inspectorate and a consortium consisting of Huta Stalowa Wola and Rosomak, for the delivery of 40 SMK-120 mortars and 20 Rosomak AWD command and control vehicles. The final two fire modules had been delivered by the end of last year —i.e., 16 mortars and eight Rosomak AWDs.
The remaining components of the Rak fire support system—reconnaissance vehicles, armament armament repair vehicles, and ammunition supplu vehicles —are being procured under separate procedures. The number of vehicles ordered corresponds to subsequent SMK-120 Rak orders.
Last year, another batch was delivered consisting of 21 ammunition supply vehicles and seven workshop vehicles on Jelcz chassis, contracted in May 2021.
What is currently missing to fully equip the Rak company fire modules are the Rosomak AWR artillery reconnaissance vehicles. In September 2022, a contract was signed for the delivery of 30 Rosomak AWR vehicles for all 15 Rak mortar companies, with delivery scheduled between 2024 and 2026. Last year, only one vehicle was handed over; a delivery of 19 Rosomak AWR vehicles to the customer is planned for 2025.
Reconnaissance and Patrol Vehicles
In August 2023, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with a consortium consisting of PGZ and the Rosomak company, covering the delivery of a total of 385 Legwan (Iguana) wheeled light reconnaissance vehicles (LPR) between 2024 and 2030, along with a training and logistics package. Legwan is based on the KLTV off-road vehicle manufactured by the South Korean company KIA. The new reconnaissance vehicle is meant to feature, among other things, a body adapted to Polish requirements and structural modifications based on the needs of the Polish Armed Forces.
The framework agreement includes establishing industrial capabilities in Poland to enable the production and servicing of the LPR. Initial production will take place in Korea, but Rosomak plans to gradually transfer the manufacturing capacity of vehicle components to Poland. Other specialized versions are expected to be developed in the future based on the LPR platform, with estimated demand reaching several thousand units. Any additional orders will depend on the Polish Armed Forces’ needs for vehicles in this weight class.
In 2024, a total of 15 Legwan vehicles were delivered to the Polish Armed Forces, and 41 more are planned for delivery this year. The final batch of Żmija (Viper) long-range reconnaissance vehicles (Wirus IV) from the ordered 118 units was also delivered. The contract for their procurement was signed in September 2017 between the Armament Inspectorate and a consortium composed of Polish Defense Holding and Concept company
In July 2023, an agreement was signed for the delivery of used Oshkosh M-ATV vehicles to the Polish Land Forces, sourced from surplus U.S. military equipment. The contract was concluded under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program and initially included an option to purchase 150 vehicles. However, after evaluating the condition of the stored vehicles, Polish specialists selected 79 units for delivery. The deliveries were completed last year.
Small Arms and Electro-Optical Systems for Infantry
In the past several months, deliveries of additional batches of firearms and support weapons have also been carried out, including:
5.56 mm Grot assault rifles, manufactured by „Łucznik” Arms Factory Radom (contracts for a total of over 324 000 rifles by 2028, including an option),
9 mm VIS 100 pistols, manufactured by „Łucznik” Arms Factory Radom (contracts for a total of over 58 000 pistols by 2028, including an option),
40 mm GP under-barrel grenade launchers for Grot carbines, manufactured by „Łucznik” Arms Factory Radom (contracts for a total of 6 400 units by 2028, including an option),
MSBS-5.56R ceremonial rifles, manufactured by „Łucznik” Arms Factory Radom (contract for 155 rifles by 2026),
12.7 mm WKM-Bm heavy machine guns, manufactured by „Tarnów” Mechanical Works, intended for mounting on reconnaissance vehicles (contract for 340 units by 2027),
M72 EC MK 1 anti-tank grenade launchers, supplied by the Norwegian company Nammo Raufoss (contract for several thousand units in 2023–2025),
Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifles with FCD558 sights, supplied by the Swedish company Saab AB (contract for over 6 000 launchers and several hundred thousand rounds of ammunition — including high-explosive anti-tank, high-explosive, high-explosive dual-purpose, anti-structure munition, multi-purpose, smoke, illumination, training, and practice rounds — to be delivered in 2024–2027),
Electrooptical devices, supplied by PCO, including MU-3M/AM/ADM Kos/Koliber night vision monoculars and goggles, as well as PCS-5M Gabro-M weapon-mounted night vision sights (contract for approx. 12 000 night vision goggles and about 5 weapon sights by 2027, including an option).
Air Defense Systems in the Polish Armed Forces
Acquisition of air defense systems remains one of the most important tasks among all modernization programs of the Armed Forces. Within this project, the procurement of medium-range systems under the codename Wisła (Vistula) is being implemented. Two batteries (four firing units) of the Raytheon Patriot Configuration 3+ missile system with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) command system were purchased in March 2018. For these units, among others, four AN/MPQ-65 fire control radars, 16 M903A2 missile launchers, Lockheed Martin PAC-3 MSE missiles, Northrop Grumman IBCS command system elements, as well as communication systems, equipment transport vehicles, and maintenance and repair stations were ordered. Besides the missile systems themselves, logistical and training packages were contracted. Offset agreements were also signed with companies from the Polish defense industry. In December of the last year, the missile battalion, which includes both batteries, achieved Basic Operational Capability (BOC). The Wisła system initially has a transitional hardware configuration, which in the following years will be modified using new solutions including container modules of the IBCS system and mobile communication nodes.
Regarding the acquisition of further Patriot systems (the so-called second phase of Wisła program), amounting to six batteries (twelve firing units) with new fire control radars, in September 2023 contracts were signed for delivery to Poland between 2026–2029 of a total of 12 RTX GhostEye fire control radars with power supply systems, 48 M903 missile launchers, and 644 PAC-3 MSE missiles mainly intended to counter ballistic targets. Moreover, last February, a contract was signed for the purchase of Northrop Grumman IBCS command system for these batteries, with delivery deadlines until 2031. Additional elements for all batteries, including IBCS command system cabins, communication systems, transport vehicles, maintenance and repair stations, as well as further logistical and training packages are to be gradually ordered from American suppliers, but primarily from Polish defense industry companies. The first two batteries (four firing units) of the new Patriot systems are set to be delivered in 2026, with the remaining four within the next three years. Similarly to the first phase, Polish defense sector companies will participate in the second phase of Wisła program on an offset basis. It is also worth mentioning that last year the Polish side sent a letter of request to the US administration for purchase up to 788 PAC-2 GEM-T missiles (older than PAC-3 MSE), mainly intended to counter aerodynamic targets. PAC-2 GEM-T missiles are meant to serve as low-cost effectors until the possible development of the final CAMM-MR missiles for Wisła/Narew systems.
The second project in the modernization program of Polish air defense is the acquisition of short-range air defense missile systems under the codename Narew, equipped with CAMM family of missiles and IBCS command system. The Narew project (except the scope related to the IBCS command system) is implemented by the „PGZ-Narew” consortium, which includes Polish Armaments Group, Huta Stalowa Wola, Jelcz, Mesko, the Research and Development Center of the Maritime Technology Center, PCO, PIT-Radwar S.A., Military Communications Works No. 1 (WZŁ1), Military Armament Works, Military Electronics Works, and „Tarnów” Mechanical Works. In September 2021, the Armament Inspectorate and the „PGZ-Narew” consortium signed a framework agreement defining the conditions for granting and executing individual elements of the Narew system. The total demand specified in the agreement for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland for Narew short-range air defense missile systems amounts to 23 batteries (46 firing units). Delivery schedules of individual batteries depend on the delivery capabilities of the consortium’s components, as well as the time required for technology transfer from the foreign partner. Furthermore, in September 2023, the Armament Agency and the „PGZ-Narew” consortium signed two executive contracts with deadlines between 2027-2035: for the delivery of over 1000 CAMM-ER missiles along with training and logistical packages, and for the delivery of 138 iLauncher launchers adapted to cooperate with the IBCS command and control system, as well as chassis for launchers based on Jelcz trucks. Based on these executive contracts, in November 2023, PGZ, as the leading entity of the „PGZ-Narew” consortium, signed a contract with MBDA UK for the delivery of CAMM-ER missile elements and iLauncher launchers, as well as technology and know-how transfer enabling their co-production in Poland. The aforementioned executive contracts for the delivery of Narew systems were formally launched in December 2024 after securing funding from the British side.
Additionally, Wisła and Narew batteries will also include, among others, domestic P-18PL early warning radars and SPL passive radars. While the former were ordered last year, the contract for SPL had not been signed by mid-this year. The first planned RDL-45 Warta long-range radars have not been ordered either.
When it comes to the acquisition of very short-range anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems (PSR-A) under the codename Pilica, this program has actually undergone a real revolution as it evolved into a multi-effector air defense system named Pilica+ with greater capabilities than the original SHORAD-class system. The new system is to address emerging threats, including new types of missiles, small-sized aviation guided rocket-propelled munitions, and various types of drones, including commercial drones carrying explosive payloads. Requirements for Pilica systems were changed, including new elements such as various sensors and effectors. The development and delivery of the systems is handled by the consortium „PGZ-Pilica+”, established in May 2022, which includes PGZ, „Tarnów” Mechanical Works, PIT-Radwar, PCO, Jelcz, Mesko, the Research and Development Center of the Maritime Technology Center, Military Armament Works, and Military Electronics Works. In October of the same year, the Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with the „PGZ-Pilica+” consortium, intended to specify details of executive orders for the delivery of 16 new Pilica+ missile and artillery systems (ZR-A) and the upgrading of six PSR-A Pilica sets to Pilica+ standard, i.e. a total of 22 batteries.
By the end of last year, several executive contracts were signed between the Armament Agency and the „PGZ-Pilica+” consortium for the delivery of, among others, 22 Bystra transportable radars for ZR-A Pilica+, 22 Zenit-MP+ command posts, delivery and modernization of a total of 22 Pilica+ system batteries in 2025–2029, as well as training systems and logistical packages. An agreement with MBDA UK was signed for the delivery or adaptation of a total of 44 iLauncher launchers and several hundred CAMM missiles and a logistical package in 2025–2029. These agreements enable the completion of 22 Pilica+ batteries with the required elements. In the future, it is planned to supplement the sets with new sensors and effectors, including artillery systems and non-kinetic and kinetic counter-UAS systems.
In 2024, deliveries continued for previously ordered equipment:
Bystra radars (contract for 16 units in 2019-2025),
NUR-15M Odra-M radars (contract for 2 units in 2024),
Piorun launch mechanisms and anti-aircraft missiles (contracts for over 1 000 launchers and over 4 800 missiles).
Two events are also worth noting in regards to radar equipment. The first is the signing of a contract with the Spanish company Indra Sistemas for a total of 15 Drawa airfield surveillance radars (eight guaranteed and seven optional) in 2025-2031. The second includes approval from the US administration to purchase 15 L3Harris GCA-2000 precision approach radar systems, although acquisition of other similar systems is not excluded.
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