Polish PATRIOTS already in service
14.10.2022
“We have achieved the goal. Polish PATRIOTS are already being integrated, as we are commencing works that are to result in the creation of a multi-layer air-defense system. After 4 years of work, today marks the finish of our efforts. Today, everyone can see the launchers, radars, and the entire system with their own eyes. Yet, one of the most important of the system’s elements remains hidden - but is still extremely important. It is the heart of the system. I speak of IBCS battlefield control system, which guarantees network-centricity. The middle layer is PATRIOT, the lower is NAREW, and the lowest is PIORUN sets supplemented with the PILICA artillery set. All these activities come down to achieving one basic goal - ensuring safety over the Polish skies” - said Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Błaszczak during his visit to Toruń.
On October 14, in Toruń, Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense in the presence of President Andrzej Duda, the Head of the Polish Armed Forces, observed the tests of Polish PATRIOTS and other elements of the “Wisła” (Vistula) medium-range air defense system.
“Thank you very much, Mr. President, for coming here today to participate in this historic event. Never in the past have we had such opportunities in terms of our defense capabilities. This is a real milestone. Our common goal is the security of Poland. To this end, we will consistently implement the next stages of the work related to the further implementation of PATRIOT batteries. We have already submitted a letter of acquisition regarding this matter, and we promise to work on the supplementation of the system so that it is as coherent as possible”
- said Deputy Prime Minister M. Błaszczak.
The adoption and implementation of the WISŁA system in the Polish Armed Forces are conducted under the SICO (System Integration Checkout) procedure. As part of this process, Polish and American teams carry out an inventory of deliveries, final assembling military equipment, and testing the system.
The head of the Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the creation of an integrated air-defense system is possible thanks to the cooperation with foreign partners and the efforts of the domestic armament industry.
"There is no doubt that we would not have achieved such success if it were not for very good cooperation with American and British partners. The middle-layer system is an American one, the lower layer is a British rocket system, and its bottom is the Polish PIORUN. It is also worth mentioning that, whether it is under an American license or any other manner, every of these levels’ elements is manufactured by the Polish defense industry. As you can see, we have created a unique solution that ensures the security of our homeland"
- emphasized the Minister of Defense.
As part of SICO, all delivered elements will be checked, i.e. AN / MPQ-65 radars, EPP field power plants, ECS / RIU (Engagment Control Station / Radar Interface Unit) cabins, M903A2 launchers, and PAC-3MSE missiles, launch containers for training missiles, cryptographic equipment, special CSS 8x8 tractor units, transporters special TS EPP (Electrical Power Plan), TS LRPT (Large Repair Parts Transporter) and GMT transport and loading vehicles, command posts S-280 or IFCN radio lines.
"It would seem impossible – but it was not. In 2018, Minister Mariusz Błaszczak signed an agreement with the USA for the sale and execution of the first part of the PATRIOT system for Poland. It is the first element of our multi-layer, interoperable air-defense system - the “Wisła” system, which additionally will be integrated with: Pilica and Narew systems"
- noted the Head of the Polish Armed Forces, President Andrzej Duda.