Poland’s Defence Ministry has signed a deal to buy 79 “Poprad” vehicles from the state-owned PIT-RADWAR, designed as a mobile short range anti-aircraft system.

PIT-RADWAR executives following the signing of the deal on Wednesday. Photo: PIT-RADWAR

The deal is worth almost PLN 1.09 billion (EUR 0.25 billion).

Each Poprad vehicle will be equipped with four missile launchers to fire Polish-made Grom (thunder) missiles, with the possibility of also using its planned upgrade Piorun (lightning).

According to the manufacturers Poprads will be able to effectively engage targets flying at altitudes of between 10 to 3,500 metres, and at distances of 500 to 5,500 metres from the vehicle.

“The contract will increase the capability of the Polish Army’s air defence system, meaning that we Poles will all feel safer,” commented the Deputy Defence Minister Bartosz Kownacki, adding that the government is trying to involve Polish companies in the ongoing military modernisation programme.

The deal requires 77 new vehicles to be delivered during the 2018-2021 period, as well as the modernisation of two Poprads which have already been delivered for testing.

The price includes the cost of training soldiers to use and maintain the vehicles.

The company PIT-RADWAR hopes that this deal will increase interest among potential overseas buyers, pointing out that it has already exported two products similar to Poprad to Indonesia.

Further deals planned this year

General Adam Duda added that two other contracts will be signed before the end of 2015, concerning German Leopard 2 tanks and Israeli Spike anti-tank missiles.

The Leopard tanks used by Poland, produced in the 1980s, will be modernised to 21st century standards with the likely involvement of Polish firms.

Meanwhile the Spike missiles will be purchased from Israel and are expected to be delivered in 2017-20.

General Adam Duda added that no contract will be signed this year to buy RAK self-propelled artillery, as had been expected, but a deal is likely to be finalised in the first half of 2016.

Poland's military modernisation programme includes acquiring new helicopters, cruise missiles, and developing a missile defence system. (sl/rg)

Source: PAP