Poland enhances VSHORAD capacities
POPRAD equips brigades and regiments in Poland (photo - Polish MoD Armament Inspectorate)
The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) Armament Inspectorate announced on 15 December the delivery of the last nine self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems POPRAD. The very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) solution was manufactured by PIT-Radwar S.A. and acquired in December 2015.
POPRAD was designed to operate in the lowest tier of air and missile defence and can detect, identify and combat air targets at close distances.
It features ultra-short-range MESKO Grom anti-aircraft missiles and its modernised versions Piorun. The missiles are placed on the transport compartment of the AMZ-Kutno Żubr vehicle.
In total, Poland purchased 79 POPRADs, which are spread throughout the country equipping mechanised and rifle brigades as well as anti-aircraft regiments. These systems were first handed over in 2018.
The Armament Inspectorate also reported on 16 December the delivery of six KTO Rosomak command vehicles acquired in December 2020. These platforms will equip the 16th Mechanised Division and support operations to protect the Polish-Belarusian border.
Early this year, Poland also received a batch of 25 LPU Wirus-4 light strike vehicles (LSVs) to patrol the area.
More from Land Warfare
-
BAE Systems recruited to provide ballistic missile seekers
Lockheed Martin has recruited BAE Systems to manufacture and deliver seeker technology for THAAD missiles.
-
Army 2022: Russia seeks to apply experience from Ukraine war to improve medium armour
Will Russian manufacturers be able to correct inherent IFV design deficiencies that have been exposed during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine?
-
US Marines to field Next Generation Handheld Targeting System in FY24
Acquired in February 2022, the Next Generation Handheld Targeting System will allow Marines to rapidly and accurately conduct target location and laser guidance during combat operations.
-
American Rheinmetall and GM Defense team up to compete in the US Army’s Common Tactical Truck programme
American Rheinmetall and GM Defense are offering the HX3-CTT, which is derived from the HX3 next-generation series of trucks.
-
France invests in vehicles for paratroopers
New lightweight and air-droppable vehicles are being provided to the 11th Parachute Brigade in the French Army.