PIT-RADWAR has showcased its concept of a modular, scalable, self-propelled VSHORAD class air/missile defence system. 35 mm self-propelled gun solution has become its backbone, based on Jelcz 6x6 trucks and Rosomak APCs. The gun part of the system works in cooperation with the Poprad SHORAD missile solution, and Bystra and Soła radars.
The PIT-RADWAR S.A. company that is a part of the PGZ Group has presented a video material pertaining to its comprehensive VSHORAD offering. The proposal is to address the modern array of air threats, such as attack helicopters, UAS, loitering munitions, or cruise missiles. The system may utilize both kinetic, as well as non-kinetic effectors, all domestically manufactured.
Two self-propelled 35 mm artillery systems?
Two new variants of the 35 mm automatic gun systems are an interesting new offering. One of them comes in a form of the AG-35 gun based on the 6x6 Jelcz P662D.43 truck, with the latter already being operated by the Polish military. The gun, on that platform, is far more mobile. It can also be readied to fire rapidly.
The second variant has been integrated on the 8x8 Rosomak APC. The information on the latter version is scarce. We also do not know a lot about the work progress regarding that system. Visually the gun is very similar to the naval variant. It could be assumed, with a high degree of probability, that some solutions of the naval OSU-35K system have been used here. OSU-35K is the system that is destined to be installed on two of the Kormoran II class (Project 258) MCMVs that are being built now - ORP Albatros and ORP Mewa. Assumptions as such had been adopted for the design showcased by PIT-RADWAR back in the summer of 2020. The system in question is quite interesting, nonetheless, the impact of the center of mass is placed high above the ground needs to be examined. It could have an impact on the stability of the vehicle, during engagements and in an amphibious setting. The Rosomak APC platform and the armoured turret design should be viewed as a major advantage here though.
Both variants - the one using the Rosomak APC as the base platform, as well as the one placed on the truck - utilize the dual-feed KDA 35 mm cannon, manufactured in Poland and using the Polish-made programmable ammo that is said to be especially effective in engaging small air threats, such as UAVs. The gun still retains the ability to fire sabot rounds. Not only are these an effective asset in acting against conventional airborne threats, but they can also be employed against non-armoured and lightly armoured land and naval targets.
Missiles, Radars, Command System
The video also depicts the well-known Poprad SHORAD systems that are already operated by the military. The SAM system in question is armed with 4 Grom/Piorun missiles. The latter effector can neutralize targets at ranges of up to 6.5 km, flying at an altitude of up to 4,000 meters. The Poprad system has also been presented in a form integrated with a non-kinetic counter-UAS solution, consisting of an electronic countermeasure and a small tracking radar. The solution in question has been developed and supplied by the Advanced Protection Systems company. Similar jamming systems can also be integrated on the anti-aircraft artillery platforms listed above as well.
Meanwhile, Soła and Bystra radars act as the primary sensors within the whole system, allowing for target tracking and identification. The radars are complemented with passive EO sensors, integrated both on the self-propelled air defence systems, as well as on the WG-35 mobile command and control station, based on the Żubr wheeled platform (that also carried the radars and the Poprad launchers).
The vehicle has been fitted with a hydraulically extending optronic sensor that is just another variant of the sensor installed in the modernized WD-95 modernized BLENDA air defence system command vehicles. The sensor suite features a III gen. thermal imaging sensor, a daytime camera, a high-frequency laser rangefinder, and an IFF interrogator. The WG-35 vehicle has also been tailored for the installation of a tracking radar that is a subject of fairly advanced works taking place at PIT-RADWAR. The radar would make it possible to detect and track targets in any weather conditions.
What is even more important is the fact that the WG-35 command and control station can act as a command vehicle for a mixed battery that utilizes all of the listed components, including self-propelled and towed 35 mm artillery systems, but also the Poprad SAM or Pilica artillery and missile systems - with the latter ones already being operated by the military. The Pilica command system can also be integrated with other components, such as the AG-35 guns. This has already been confirmed, during a series of field tests.
The varied configuration of artillery or combined artillery and missile solutions employing the 35 mm guns and Polish-made missiles responds to numerous challenges faced by both Poland and the allied nations. They could also become a relevant export offering of the Polish defence industry that already has a significant potential available in the domain of VSHORAD SAM systems and radar/optoelectronic sensor suites coupled with C2 systems. The above makes the Polish industry ready, and capable to place comprehensive bids within that scope.