MSPO 2016: Pilica VSHORAD System - Final Stage of Negotiation

As the representatives of the ZM Tarnów company assure, talks pertaining to the Pilica system contract have taken a steady course towards the final conclusion. The relevant contract is going to be signed by the end of this year. We already know that final shape of the system has been established. Steps have also been taken to define the procurement schedule. The equipment prepared in this way was being presented by the ZM Tarnów facility (which is a part of the Polish Armament Group [PGZ – Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa]), during the 24th edition of the MSPO exhibition.

Throughout the negotiation process, arrangements have been made, according to which ZM Tarnów is still going to act as the technological leader and as the final integrator of the system. The Tarnów based facility will also be responsible for maintenance and post-guarantee servicing of the system.

In the light of the tight schedule, when it comes to introduction of the Pilica system into the inventory, it was decided that the first example is going to be delivered in so called adjustment mode. This is caused by the need of finalizing the works referring to the new solutions, within the scope of electronics and IT systems, both of which are to improve the efficiency and safety of using the weapon. It is also planned that the effectiveness of the fire control system is to be verified on a firing range, during a relevant test programme. Thanks to the above procedure, the subsequently delivered batteries are to be fully compliant with the requirements defined by the army. 

PSRA Pilica combined missile-artillery anti-aircraft system is based almost solely on the Polish components and know-how. Not only is the above statement true for the effectors, but also for the optronic suite or for the radar which is used for preliminary indication of the targets.

Pilica a VSHORAD system, the purpose of which is to defend military and civilian infrastructure from airstrikes, at ranges of up to 5 kilometres. The system may become a part of an integrated defence and command system (such as REGA), which would mean that the weapon would constitute an integral element of the multi-layered IADS. However, an option also exists to utilize Pilica in a manner which is fully autonomous.

A single battery includes six ZUR-23-2SP missile-artillery combined anti-aircraft systems, featuring coupled double 23 mm cannons and short range Grom/Piorun anti-aircraft missiles. Each of the aforesaid systems has been fitted with its own optronic sensors, featuring TV, thermal vision cameras and laser range finders. Each of the components may also be operated in an autonomous manner.

In the standard mode of operation, Pilica system is controlled via a wire-communications suite (based on optical fibres, at ranges of up to 5 kilometres) as well as via radio, with the use of a computerized command station. The station uses the data coming from the Soła early warning 3D radar.

Pilica is also highly mobile. It may be easily transported with the use of standard military vehicles or aircraft.