The Pilica anti-aircraft system was delivered to the division in Bytom. Head of the Ministry of National Defense: We are building a multi-layer air defense for Poland

On Friday, the squadron in Bytom (Silesian Voivodeship) received new Pilica anti-aircraft systems. We are building a multi-layered air defense system for Poland – emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. He added that the Ministry of National Defense is also working on a large anti-drone defense program.

The head of the Ministry 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 is the first of sixteen serial systems that the Polish Armed Forces are to receive 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 during a press conference. 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. – We are building integrated air defense in all these areas – he emphasized.

The Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the importance of equipment reliability in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. – We know every night when the attack on Ukraine is underway. Air defense, anti-aircraft defense, including Pilica systems, are put on highest alert – said Kosiniak-Kamysz

The minister also announced work on a new anti-drone defense program, which is to become one of the largest and most innovative projects in Europe.

– This will be the fourth program in the construction of the integrated air defense of the Polish state, a great program, one of the largest in Europe, very 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.

Konrad Gołota, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets, who was present at the conference, emphasized the role of the domestic industry and consistent implementation of schedules.

– What we are doing today is – firstly, we keep the schedules, secondly – where there are delays, even years, we make up for them – said Gołota. – The third thing I finally wanted to talk about is Silesia. (…) In this place, where a large part of the Polish arms industry is developing very dynamically, we will continue to invest in this development – he added.

The president of the Polish Armaments Group, Adam Leszkiewicz, referring to the role of PGZ as the leader of the consortium, emphasized: “The mission and meaning of PGZ's existence is to supply the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland with appropriate equipment. Today we are having such an equipment transfer ceremony.”

He pointed out that nine group companies are involved in the Pilica Plus program, and further sets are already being prepared for delivery to the army.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz was asked about the “wGotności” program starting on Saturday. On November 22, a pilot program of universal defense training will start, addressed to all willing Polish citizens.

On Friday, the head of the Ministry of National Defense confirmed great interest in the training and announced its inauguration in Krakow. – Very high interest. The latest data was about 18,000 reports. I would like to invite everyone once again to the readiness programs – said Kosiniak-Kamysz. – The greatest interest is in Silesia, the quotas were filled very quickly, there are even reserve lists. (…) This is a pilot project, so we will also draw conclusions to allocate training places in an appropriate territorial manner – he added.

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; uses a 23 mm anti-aircraft gun and Piorun anti-aircraft missiles. 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. (PAP)

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