Thales to offer Watchkeeper to Poland
Thales has teamed with Polish company WB Electronics to offer a solution for Poland’s Gryf programme based on the Watchkeeper UAS, Thales announced on 1 September.
Under the Gryf programme, Poland is seeking an armed UAS capability for its armed forces delivered through collaboration with Polish industry.
The Thales-WB Electronics proposed solution will see the Watchkeeper surveillance system integrated with the strike capability of the Thales FreeFall Lightweight Multi-role Missile (FFLMM).
The Watchkeeper system, which has been delivered to the British Army, is designed to provide high-performance Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability and commander situational awareness.
Pierre Eric Pommellet, executive vice-president, defence mission systems, Thales, said: ‘Thales is committed to delivering the right solution for Poland’s Gryf requirement. Of course, the solution is not just about meeting the capability needs but delivering the solution through collaboration with Polish industry. I look forward to fostering a close relationship with WB Electronics to ensure Poland fully benefits from its investment in unmanned aircraft systems.’
Adam Bartosiewicz, VP, WB Electronics, added: ‘Cooperation with Thales on project GRYF for the Polish Army is the best demonstration, that Polish companies have the capacity and expertise to offer the most technologically advanced military systems on a global level. We also expect that as a result of the established close cooperation, our British partners can also expand their trade portfolio on systems designed and developed in the WB Group.’
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