On August 12, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defense Paweł Bejda, an agreement was signed between Huta Stalowa Wola SA and Raytheon Polska for the production of 48 M903 launchers, which are part of the Patriot anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems, under Phase II of the WISŁA program.
– Today in Sochaczew we are starting to sign a series of contracts to strengthen Polish security. (…) Security is a fundamental and priority issue. Security that must be present in every Polish home. I would like to thank all those who made this happen, because the launchers that are behind me will be manufactured in Poland. This is a great achievement. This is also the fulfillment of our promise – 50% of armament expenditure should be invested in companies that operate on the territory of the Republic of Poland.
– emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.
The contract signed today for the production of 48 M903 rocket launchers begins the implementation of Phase II of the Wisła program and the signing of contracts for the delivery of further components in 2027–2029 with the Polish industry. Some of the most important sub-suppliers of HSW SA under the contract are Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów SA, supplying actuators for the launcher, and Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne SA, responsible for the delivery of the Data Link Terminal Module.
The companies belonging to the PGZ-WISŁA consortium produced a number of other elements of the Patriot systems, including: technical support containers, transport and loading vehicles, launcher components, missile components and radar systems.
During a meeting with soldiers training on elements of the Wisła system, the Minister of National Defense thanked them for their daily service and commitment.
– I would like to thank all soldiers serving in the 3rd Warsaw Air Defense Missile Brigade for their commitment. They took responsibility for implementing the most modern equipment as the first. They already have the necessary skills and are in full readiness. Air defense is a great responsibility. Counteracting violations of our airspace, preparation, improving skills and qualifications. Full availability and dedicated service, for which I thank you very much.
– the head of the Ministry of National Defense addressed the soldiers.
***
The Patriot anti-aircraft and anti-missile system is one of the main elements of the country’s air defense system. Its primary task is to combat short-range tactical ballistic missiles (including maneuvering), cruise missiles, and piloted air attack means in the entire range of flight speeds and altitudes used by tactical aviation, as well as combating unmanned aerial vehicles.
The PGZ-Wisła consortium is responsible for the implementation of the Wisła program on the Polish side, composed of: PGZ SA (consortium leader), Huta Stalowa Wola SA, Mesko SA, PIT-RADWAR SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne SA, Jelcz sp. z o. o., Huta Stalowa Wola SA Autosan Branch in Sanok, Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia SA, Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 1 SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 SA, PCO SA and Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No. 1 SA. In addition, some of the PGZ companies not mentioned above participate in the program as subcontractors.
In the first phase of the program, Poland acquired two Patriot system batteries in a configuration including PAC-3 MSE missiles and the IBCS system. 16 launchers included in the two batteries were delivered by Huta Stalowa Wola SA on behalf of Raytheon, the manufacturer and supplier of the Patriot system. The implementation of this task was the result of an intergovernmental order concluded in 2018 in the Foreign Military Sales mode between the Polish Ministry of National Defense and the government of the United States of America.
Gallery ->>> M903 launchers as part of the Patriot system will be manufactured in Poland
