Siemoniak Claims that Pilica Anti Aicraft System is “The Most Prospective Initiative Pursued By The Polish Industry”

Minister of Defence stated that the Ministry has “high hopes” related to the Pilica programme. Tomasz Siemoniak stressed the fact that the Polish authorities are willing to realize a long-term procurement programme for the Polish Armed Forces, on the basis of the potential offered by the ZM Tarnów facility.

Pilica project is one of the most prospective initiatives, as it is a huge programme, and we have some high hopes regarding that system. This [ZM Tarnów] is the place where we buy equipment for the Army on a permanent manner and we are looking for a project which would become a driving force for the company in a long term perspective. (...) I cannot promise anything, however after the talks today, seeing the determination shown by the President of the company, I am certain that this is going to be the ‘big thing’ for Tarnów.

Pilica combined short range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon system is designed for the purpose of locally covering own forces and infrastructure. A single battery is armed with six examples of the ZUR-23-2SP Jodek system, using both the 23 mm cannons as well as the Grom missiles, making the whole anti-aircraft suite capable of destroying targets at distances of more than 5 kilometres.

The system utilizes a computer-based fire control system, fitted with optronic devices. Pilica is prepared to be embedded in an integrated air defence systems, with an ability of sharing the targeting information and acquisition of targeting data from the external sources.

The factory testing programme is scheduled to happen after the MSPO Kielce defence expo which is going to take place at the beginning of September this year. Test firing at the Ustka Central Air Force’s Firing range is going to be a part of the programme. This part of development of the system is planned to be commenced in November. The programme is going to be realized until the end of 2015.