The Minister of National Defense in the 34th Air Defense Missile Squadron in Bytom took part in the transfer of the serial Pilica anti-aircraft missile and artillery system to the Polish Army. This the first of sixteen serial systems to be received by the Polish Armed Forces in accordance with the agreement concluded between the Armament Agency and the PGZ PILICA+ Consortium.
“We are building a multi-layer air defense of the Polish state” – emphasized the head of the Ministry of National Defense. He pointed out that multi-layering means acquiring air defense systems with different ranges – from the shortest, i.e. the Pilica and Pilica+ systems, through the Narew program, to the Wisła program, under which the army receives Patriot systems. “In all these areas, we are building integrated air defense,” he emphasized.
Anti-aircraft defense put on high alert
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that we see how much we need well-functioning equipment and the best-trained soldiers every night when the attack on Ukraine continues. “Air defense and anti-aircraft defense are put on highest alert,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz.
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He conveyed that Work is also underway on a large anti-drone defense program. “This will be the fourth program in the construction of integrated air defense of the Polish state, a great program, one of the largest in Europevery innovative. I think that if everything goes well (…), we will soon implement the next level of anti-drone defense program,” said the head of the Ministry of National Defense.
Pilica system – what is it?
The Pilica anti-aircraft missile and artillery system is an element of the PILICA+ missile and artillery set being developed as part of the PGZ-Pilica+ consortium, led by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA (PGZ).
The Pilica+ system is a development of the basic version of PSR-A Pilica and was designed as the lowest level of Poland's layered air defense. It uses a 23 mm anti-aircraft gun and Piorun anti-aircraft missiles.
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Its task is to protect troops and critical infrastructure against air threats, i.e. airplanes, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.
Ultimately, the Pilica+ systems are to be retrofitted with British CAMM anti-aircraft missiles.
Air defense is key
Air defense is of great importance to Poland in the event of a possible armed conflict, because it determines the country's ability to survive the enemy's first strikes. Modern warfare usually begins with attempts to destroy key infrastructure elements, communication hubs, airports, fuel depots and command centers, which is why effective air defense can significantly hinder such actions and limit the scale of destruction.
Poland, due to its geographical location and vast territory, needs a multi-layer system that will be able to detect and combat aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Modern systems, such as Patriot or Narew, are intended not only to protect troops and cities, but also to ensure the continuity of the state's functioning in the first, most critical phase of the conflict.
It is also important to integrate various defense elements into one coherent command system so that it is possible to quickly respond to threats emerging from many directions. Well-developed air defense also strengthens deterrence, because a potential aggressor must take into account that his attack will not achieve the intended effect. In practice, this means that investments in radars, missile systems, electronic warfare means and short-range mobile systems are crucial to the country's security.
Cooperation within NATO also plays an important role, as Poland can benefit from data and support from allies, which increases situational awareness and response capacity. Air defense is one of the most difficult and expensive elements of the defense system, but its absence could mean quick and painful losses. Therefore, building it on many levels and constantly modernizing it is the foundation of Poland's security strategy.
