Ground Surveillance Radars Procured by the Polish Military
The Armament Inspectorate of the Polish MoD has just concluded an agreement with the Hungarian Pro Patria Electronics Kft entity, aimed at the acquisition of ground surveillance radars. This marks the finalization of the procurement procedure that began back in 2015. What is important is the fact that, as a result of the above, the Polish military would acquire a new reconnaissance system.
This has been the second attempt made to acquire radars as such. The first tendering procedure with the very same objective was initiated in 2013, just to be subsequently cancelled in 2015.
Delivery of PGSR-3i Beagle radars with a logistics/training support package has been defined as a subject of the agreement signed on 10th March 2020. The procurement includes 104 radars - 93 are a part of the guaranteed order. Additional 11 examples could be procured, should the Ordering Party decide to exercise the right of option. Deliveries of the guaranteed portion are expected to be finalized by the end of 2022. The agreement comes with a pricetag (guaranteed portion) of PLN 39 million. Should the Ordering Party decide to exercise the right of option the value would go up by PLN 4.4 million [gross].
PGSR-3i Beagle is a stealthy, portable radar system weighing around 30 kilograms, designed to detect and track low-flying and land assets. The radar emits X-band waves continuously over 32 frequencies and it also offers an automatic frequency hopping option. PGSR-3i allows for differentiation and classification of tracked objects, with that differentiation being based on the size and movement profiles.
According to the Armament Inspectorate, the radar allows the user to detect a walking person at a distance of 8 kilometers. Vehicles, meanwhile, can be tracked at distances of up to 24 kilometers, with accuracy of 3 meters per 3 kilometers. It could be used autonomously or as a part of a larger, networked system. PGSR-3i Beagle may be controlled via an operator’s panel or from the command centre directly. The radar’s software makes it possible to utilize a broad range of map formats. Furthermore, the radar may also be integrated within complex multi-sensor systems, thus allowing for data recording and analysis, and placing the tracked objects on a digital map.
Ground surveillance radars give the user an ability to monitor the given area to secure and protect points where own forces gather or to guard military infrastructure. Radars as such are also useful as a reconnaissance support asset for the recce elements in a combat setting. The radar weighing 30 kilograms may be carried in backpacks by teams of two. It may also be installed on the vehicles or in set-up in field conditions. PGSR-3i Beagle has been made out of durable materials, it can be operated within a temperature range between -32 and +50 degrees centigrade. It is reliable and stealthy. A single battery set makes it possible for the user to continuously operate the radar for 10 to 12 hours.
AN/PPS-5C MSTAR US-made radars have been used in a certain quantity by the Polish Armed Forces so far. Other systems, also available in minor quantities, have been integrated on vehicles - here we are referring to the SR Hawk radars integrated on the BWR vehicles and Pro Patria radars on the Rosomak WSRiD (Multi-sensor Reconnaissance and Command System) recce platforms.